Traffic fatalities down nationally, Chicago car accidents a summer danger
Recently U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that although Americans are traveling more miles, the number of traffic fatalities in 2010 dropped to their lowest since 1949.
Our Chicago car accident lawyers know that Illinois had over 900 fatalities last year and is among the top 10 deadliest states for fatal motor vehicle crash victims.
"Last year's drop in traffic fatalities is welcome news and it proves that we can make a difference," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Still, too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day. We will continue doing everything possible to make cars safer, increase seat belt use, put a stop to drunk driving and distracted driving and encourage drivers to put safety first."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) early projections indicate traffic fatalities declined three percent between 2009 and 2010. Since 2005, there has been a steady drop in traffic deaths; in fact fatalities have decreased 25 percent. The fatality rate has also dropped to a record low of 1.09 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, a decrease of .04 from 2009.
Regional breakdowns include:
-Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska saw a 12 percent drop in fatalities.
-Arizona, California and Hawaii saw an 11 percent decline.
-Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut had the largest increase in fatalities at 18 percent.
-Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan had the next highest increase at almost 4 percent.
"The decrease in traffic fatalities is a good sign, but we are always working to save lives," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "NHTSA will continue pressing forward on all of our safety initiatives to make sure our roads are as safe as they can possibly be."
Numerous safety and public awareness programs like "Over the Limit. Under Arrest." for reducing drunk driving and "Click It Or Ticket" to increase seat belt use have contributed to reducing traffic fatalities. Two national summits, hosted by the U.S. DOT, on distracted driving and Distraction.gov has brought the disturbing issue of distracted driving to the masses.
Last year the NHTSA revealed its revamped 5-star rating system which includes more intense crash test standards. And it gives the public much more information on how vehicles fared in the crash tests. Automakers need to voluntarily and quickly report safety defects in order to keep the driving public safe. Technology like forward collision, lane departure warnings and electronic stability control are needed to continue to reduce crashes.
If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident, contact the experienced attorneys at VanPopering Law Offices for legal advice. Appointments can be made 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-767-4878. Call today to set up your free and confidential consultation.
