AUTOMOBILE FATALITIES DOWN IN 2008
Automobile fatalities declined in 40 states in 2008, according to a survey of state highway safety agencies. This is seen as an early sign that traffic deaths in the U.S could dip to their lowest levels in forty years. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which represents state highway safety departments, reported that vehicle deaths dropped in 40 states and the District of Columbia out of 44 states surveyed. The average decline was a whopping 10.7%; Illinois' highway fatality rate fell by 16%. A number of states, including Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Virginia and Wisconsin, all saw declines of 20% or more.
Barbara Harsha, the executive director of GHSA, attributes the delince in fatalities to seat belt use, which reached a record high of 83% in 2008. She also points to an increased enforcement of traffic laws. Another factor contributing to the delince in fatalities was drivers reducing their speed in an effort to boost fuel efficiency.
It is my hope that fatalities continue to decrease. Most accidents are preventable. It is up to each of us to exercise caution, be alert and wear our seat belts.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.
