Decline in traffic fatalities a good sign, but we will not relent on safety

Last year saw the lowest number of fatalities and injuries ever recorded. This has to be seen as encouraging news. And the people who worked hard to help drive those numbers down deserve some thanks for their fantastic work.

But let's be clear; road fatality numbers are nothing to celebrate. If you lost a loved one in 2009 to a crash, you are unlikely to take any comfort in knowing that highway deaths declined last year to the lowest level since 1950. And nearly 34,000 motor vehicle fatalities on America's roads is still unacceptable.

So we are not about to rest or relent on safety.

Fielding questions at a press conference with NHTSA Administrator David Strickland

Still, it is good to know we're heading in the right direction in every category--from large trucks to pedestrians. Even motorcycle fatalities declined, for the first time in 11 years.

Why did the numbers of fatalities and injuries go down even as miles driven went up?

• Cars are getting safer--as crash avoidance and crash worthiness technologies improve;
• Roadways are getting safer--with safer intersections, better signs and lighting, and more effective crash barriers; and
• Drivers are getting safer--buckling their seatbelts, not getting behind the wheel when impaired, and keeping their eyes and attention on the road, not on their cell phones.

Also, discretionary driving has likely been reduced due to economic conditions. These are trips--like going out in the evening--that don't involve the daily commute, and they tend to be higher risk.

Where can we make even greater inroads? National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland pointed the way:

"One-third of our road fatalities are caused by impaired driving. And in a recent survey, more than 17 million American drivers admitted they've been behind the wheel after drinking. People have to know that drunk driving is not some discretionary notion of risk; drunk driving is a crime, and it kills."

I want to thank Administrator Strickland and everyone at NHTSA for their tremendous dedication. From vehicle safety to impaired driving to seat belt use to distraction to child safety seats, they have worked tirelessly, and today's data is a testament to their commitment.

Look, this DOT remains laser-focused on safety.

That means reminding Americans to click it or get a ticket. It means reminding Americans that if they’re over the limit, they’ll be under arrest. And it means reminding Americans that the safest way to get from one place to another is to hang up and drive.

America's roads are the safest they've ever been, but they can be safer. And we will not rest until they are.

Comments

[Doug Taylor]

Cars may be getting safer however I have already seen an impact in WA state where there have not been as many accidents after WA passed a law to not talk on your cell phone while driving. It used to be a secondary offense but is now a primary offense and the WA state patrol is pulling people and ticketing them if they see a phone up to your ear. You are allowed to use a hands free device however. But my hope is all 50 states will embrace such a law. Cell phones are nice to have but it increases the risk of an accident by 60% if talking on one and driving at the same time.

[cloth baby diapers]

This sure is a positive sign as this shows that people have become conscious of their health.

[Diane Somers]

Good to see the fatality numbers declining. We still have much work to do as a society in reducing these further.