National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Statistics
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show improving numbers for motorists. We love it when we get to share good news!
This December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released encouraging numbers in their most recent annual traffic fatality report. Measuring data from 2019, the NHTSA reports that traffic fatalities are down compared to 2018 numbers. They also say that traffic deaths related to alcohol impairment reached the lowest percentage they have been since the NHTSA started keeping records (1982).
The Good News
The overall traffic fatality rate went down 2% from 2018 to 2019, even though the number of miles people traveled in 2019 increased. And alcohol-impaired fatalities decreased by 5.3%. There were also fewer pedestrian, bicycle and bus fatalities. NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owen says they are encouraged that the numbers have trended downward for three years in a row.
Not-So-Good News
Although these numbers are encouraging, there may be some different news on the horizon. This month, the NHTSA also released estimates of driving fatalities in the first part of 2020. Because of pandemic stay-at-home orders, the number of traffic fatalities was expected to fall sharply. In fact, in some areas, there is a projected increase in traffic deaths. These are preliminary estimates, but they do paint an interesting picture. They show that even in a global pandemic, people are choosing to drive in a manner that is unsafe.
Advice from Schiavone Law Group
Schiavone Law Group is happy to hear that traffic-related fatalities, and alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in particular, decreased from 2018 to 2019. As we begin this New Year, please plan ahead for safe travel choices if you are planning to drink. It’s nice that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics are improving. Ride-sharing and designated drivers are great options for a safe night out. Here are a few other ideas to keep you safe during the holidays. As always, if you find yourself in need of legal services, please call us so we can help.
