U.S. DOT Announces Lowest Number of Annual Traffic Deaths in Over 60 Years

By Grant Law Office on December 15, 2011

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traffic accidents are the leading cause of fatalities in the U.S. among those between the ages of 5 and 34, but, according to a recent announcement by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), traffic fatalities have dropped to the lowest level in the last six decades.

Updated injury and fatality data from 2010 found the total number of traffic-related deaths that year to have dropped to 32,885, the lowest level since 1949, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This decline occurred despite the increase in the number of miles traveled. In 2010, U.S. motorists travelled almost 46 billion miles more than the previous year. Furthermore:

• With a fatality rate of 1.10 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, 2010 has the lowest fatality rate ever recorded.
• Fatalities declined in most categories, including for passenger car and light truck occupants.
• Drunk driving accident fatalities declined 4.9 percent to 10,228.

Although these are very positive trends, not all types of traffic-related fatalities declined. In 2010, fatalities increased for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and occupants of large trucks.

In addition to the aforementioned statistics, the NHTSA also revealed a new measure of fatalities related to distracted driving. According to new data, approximately 3,092 deaths were caused by distracted driving accidents in 2010. This new measure does not allow comparison between past distracted driving statistics because the methodology differs. However, the adoption of the new NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) “distraction-affected crash” is considered a step in the right direction towards distinguishing distracted driving from other issues.

Making a difference in traffic safety is long and complicated process, but it seems that national, state, and local efforts are finally paying off. Part of these efforts is holding negligent or reckless drivers responsible for the crashes they cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia auto accident as the result of another motorist’s negligence or recklessness, contact the dedicated traffic accident lawyers in Atlanta at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. today at (404) 995-3955. We can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.