According to National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) latest fatality and
injury data, highway deaths in 2010 numbered 32,885—the lowest level since
1949, the agency says. The updated information indicates 2010 saw the lowest
fataility rate ever recorded, with 1.10 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles
traveled, down from 1.15 in 2009. Other statisics include:
- Fatalities declined in most categories in 2010, including for occupants of passenger cars and light trucks (including SUVs, minivans and pickups).
- Deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers dropped 4.9% in 2010, taking 10,228 lives compared to 10,759 in 2009.
- Fatalities rose among pedestrians, motorcycle riders and large truck occupants.
“While we have more work to do to continue to protect American
motorists, these numbers show we’re making historic progress when it comes to
improving safety on our nation’s roadways,” says DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.
“Thanks to the tireless work of our safety agencies and partner organizations
over the past few decades, to save lives and reduce injuries, we’re saving
lives, reducing injuries and building the foundation for what we hope will be
even greater success in the future.”