Fatal accidents reach an all time low, statistics say
Fatal automotive collisions are continuing to decline, and, according to accident statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highway traffic accident deaths reached an all time low last year, in comparison to any year since 1921, the first year in which accident statistics were recorded. More than 32,000 people were killed in collisions in 2011, according to national auto accident statistics, a 1.7 percent decrease from the previous year, and the lowest number of traffic collision deaths recorded in more than six decades, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics indicate. According to safety experts, the decline in auto collision fatalities can be traced to a combination of increased seatbelt use, improved safety technology, decreased driving as a result of the economic downturn, and public safety awareness campaigns focused on discouraging drivers from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Last year American drivers traveled 35.7 billion fewer miles last year than in 2010, a decrease of a little more than one percent. An average of 1.09 fatal traffic collisions occurred per 100 million miles driven in 2011, the lowest death rate recorded.
As a Burlingame personal injury lawyer, I am hopeful that this trending decline in fatal motor vehicle collisions continues for years to come. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, please consider discussing your legal options with a car accident attorney in Burlingame.
