Motor Vehicle Crashes High in Urban Areas

Despite declining injury and fatality rates, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) remain a leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the CDC. In 2009, a total of 34,485 MVC deaths were reported among Americans, and 22% of those who died were aged 15–24 years. The CDC took data from the 50 most populous metropolitan areas and determined that in these cities 8.2 per 100,000 residents died in vehicle crashes, compared with a national rate of 11.1. The evidence suggests a need to better learn how urban development patterns might relate to MVC deaths and how to implement appropriate strategies to reduce these deaths. It also serves as a warning to the public to be extra cautious when driving in an urban area. Learn tips to avoid distracted driving here. For more information on these stats, click here.