The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the number of overall road fatalities in the States dropped by 2.9% to 32,885 in 2010 compared to 2009. The fatality rate, that is the number of people killed per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, fell to 1.1 last year from 1.15 in 2009.
This is the fifth year in a row that fatalities decreased. On the other hand, deaths of motorcyclists, pedestrians and large-truck occupants increased and the number of traffic accident-related injuries rose by 0.9% to 2.24 million.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood commented: “While we should be encouraged by our successes, we are not going to rest on our laurels and we are not going to be lulled in complacency.”
LaHood attributed the decrease in fatalities to safer cars and roadways as well as the increase in drivers who use their cars’ safety belts and the decrease on those who drink and drive.
He added that the increased use of designated drivers and more effective law enforcement contributed to the 4.9% decrease in alcohol-related deaths.
Story References: NHTSA via Bloomberg News
