OVERALL TRAFFIC FATALITIES IN 2008 LOWEST SINCE 1961
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that the number of overall trafffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit their lowest level since 1961 and that fatalities in the first three months of 2009 continue to decrease. The fatality rate, which accounts for variables like fewer miles traveled, also reached the lowest level ever recorded.
The number of fatalities in 2008 was down 9.7% from 2007 with a highway death count of 37,261. The fatality rate was 1.27 person per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), about 7 percent below the rate of 1.36 recorded for 2007. Illinois fatality statistics reflected the national trend. In 2008 there were 1,043 traffic fatalities, down an impressive 16% from 2007 in which 1,248 people were killed in car accidents. In both 2007 and 2008, 35% of Illinois traffic fatalities were alcohol-related.
Nationally, the first quarter of 2009 continued this trend with 7,689 fatalities, which represents a 9% decline from last year. January-March 2009 marks the twelfth consecutive quarterly decline.
Unfortunately, the 2008 statistics report that motorcycle deaths increased for the 11th straight year and now account for 14% of all highway fatalities.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood acknowledged the decrease in fatalities but maintained that "we still have a long way to go." LaHood credited increased seat belt use, safer roads and highways, better vehicle safety and the curtailing of impaired driving with the declining death rate.
