Motor Vehicle Accidents
A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2009 shows that an estimated 7,689 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This represents a decline of about 9 percent as compared to the 8,451 fatalities that occurred in the first quarter of 2008. This will be the 12th consecutive quarter of declines in fatalities as compared to the same quarter from the previous year. Traffic fatalities have been declining steadi-ly since reaching a near-term peak in 2005. Preliminary data reported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the first three months of 2009 dropped by about 11.7 billion miles, or about a 1.7-percent decline.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause serious personal injury and likely will require a lawyer who is experienced in personal injury law. If you've been in a motor vehicle accident, you should contact a law firm as soon as possible to be sure your rights are protected.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced during the first week of July 2009 that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit their lowest level since 1961 and that fatalities in the first three months of 2009 continue to decrease. The fatality rate, which accounts for variables like fewer miles traveled, also reached the lowest level ever recorded.
The fatality data for 2008 placed the highway death count at 37,261, a drop of 9.7 percent from 2007. The fatality rate for 2008 was 1.27 persons per 100 million VMT, about 7 percent below the rate of 1.36 recorded for 2007.
Substantial declines occurred in virtually every major category, led by declines in passenger car occupant fatalities which dropped for the sixth year in a row, reaching the lowest level since DOT began keeping records. Light truck occupant fatalities fell for the third straight year. Alcohol-impaired fatalities also declined by more than 9 percent over 2007.
Continuing this trend, the January-March 2009 estimate of 7,689 deaths represents a nine percent decline from a year ago. It was the twelfth consecutive quarterly decline. The fatality rate for the first quarter of 2009 reached 1.12 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Preliminary data collected by the Federal Highway Administration showed that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) during the first three months of 2009 declined by about 11.7 billion miles.
The 2008 annual statistics did report, however, that motorcycle accident deaths increased for the 11th straight year and now account for 14 percent of all highway fatalities.
Motor vehicle-related injuries are the biggest health threat to teenagers in the United States, accounting for two of five deaths among teens ages 16 to 19 years. The crash risk is highest for drivers 16 years of age due to their immaturity and limited driving experience. In the United States during 2005, 4,544 teens ages 16 to 19 died of injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes. In the same year, nearly 400,000 motor vehicle occupants in this age group sustained nonfatal injuries that required treatment in an emergency department. Overall, in 2005, teenagers accounted for 10 percent of the U.S. population and 12 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths.
