According to the National Safety Council, the number of people killed in traffic accidents has fallen nine percent through May compared with the first months of 2007. This also includes an 18 percent drop in March and a 14 percent drop in April. According to the Associated Press, there are some states that have shown declines of 20 percent or more, and 31 states have seen declines of ten percent or more. Only eight states have shown an increase.
Reasons
Some experts believe the reason behind the decline is the rise in gas prices. This is because fewer people may be on the road, and that people are driving slower. The federal government noted in April that miles traveled fell 1.8 percent compared with drivers last year. Other factors that may be a reason for the decline are police enforcement of speeders and those driving under the influence, safer vehicles, an unusually long, cold winter that kept many people home, and better teen-licensing programs. The Governors Highway Safety Association says that seatbelt use is also at an all-time high, and may top 90 percent in several states when statistics are released later this year.
While fatality rates have been steady for the last 15 years, the way that road fatalities are gauged show a different picture. The rate for fatalities per 100 million miles traveled has been declining even though Americans, until recently, were driving more. The figure fell to 1.42 deaths in 2006, the lowest level yet.
The last time traffic fatalities fell this fast was during the oil embargo of 1973-1974, when fatalities fell 17 percent, and in 1982-1983 when the drinking age was raised to 21. The speed limit during the ’70s was 55 mph, and there are rumors that Congress may try to reinstate this speed limit.
Because oil prices are not likely to fall to pre-summer levels, and we’re probably going to have to get used to rising gas prices (currently averaging $4.00 a gallon nationally), perhaps this is one of the silver linings we’ll see as well. Although accidents will continue to occur, with lower speed limits, fewer drivers, and safer vehicles, injuries and fatalities may be fewer and farther between than they used to be.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in your area.
