Fewer people were killed on U.S. roads last year than at anytime since 1950, according to statistics released this month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The number of fatal New York car accidents also declined, as did the number of area car accidents caused by drunk drivers.
In 2009, a total of 33,808 motorists were killed on the road, compared to the 37,423 reported deaths in 2008. That compares to a total of 33,186 recorded in 1950. Injuries also declined, from 2.346 million in 2008 to 2.217 million last year. Forty-one states joined the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in reporting fewer fatalities.
“Today’s announcement shows that America’s roads are the safest they’ve ever been,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “But they must be safer. And we will not rest until they are.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for those ages 3 to 34. And alcohol-related driving fatalities continue to account for about one-third of all fatal accidents.
“Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving.”
Fatal accidents in New York declined from 1,238 in 2008 to 1,156 last year. Twenty-eight percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol during both years — 346 fatal alcohol crashes in 2008, compared to 321 last year.
If you have been injured in a car accident in New York City or Long Island, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to discuss your rights. Call 718.261.0549. Representing accident victims in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland counties.
