National Safety Council estimates traffic fatalities down in first half of 2014

Preliminary data collected by the US National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2014 are down four per cent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2014, 16,180 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 16,860 in 2013. Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.
August 13, 2014 Read time: 1 min
Preliminary data collected by the US 4953 National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2014 are down four per cent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2014, 16,180 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 16,860 in 2013. Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.

 
“Studies show that 90 per cent of crashes involve driver error, including speeding, alcohol use and distractions,” said Deborah Hersman, president and CEO at NSC. “Although it’s encouraging to see a decrease in fatalities, the unfortunate fact remains that many of these crashes could have been prevented.”
 
In addition to human loss, motor vehicle crashes present a significant national cost in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses, administrative expenses, employer costs and property damage. The preliminary cost of motor vehicle deaths, injuries and property damage through June was US$123 billion.  

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Auto safety initiative seeks to reduce driver errors
    December 2, 2013
    A push by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to use technology to reduce traffic fatalities aims to keep drunk drivers off the roads by using in-vehicle technology that immobilises their cars. They are pushing for systems that prevent drivers from starting their cars, help cars avoid collisions and prevent vehicles from starting if the occupants don’t wear seat belts. "Ninety per cent of all crashes have an element of human error," NHTSA administrator David Strickland said. "We really
    Read More
  • euroFOT study demonstrates benefits of driver assistance systems
    June 26, 2012
    Today, the euroFOT consortium published the findings of a four-year study focused on the impact of driver assistance systems in the Europe. The €22 million (US$27.5 million) European Field Operational Test (euroFOT) project which began in June 2008 and involved 28 companies and organisations, was led by Aria Etemad from Ford’s European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany. The study looked at existing technologies and their potential to both enhance safety and reduce environmental impact. euroFOT also reveale
    Read More
  • In-vehicle fleet management system reduces losses
    May 4, 2012
    Loomis offers products and services that provide complete cash logistics solutions for financial institutions, retailers and other commercial enterprises. The company is present in twelve European countries and the USA and has just over 20,000 employees. At Loomis safety is considered good business. Presented with the opportunity to reduce both accident frequency and associated primary liability costs, the company equipped the majority of its US armoured truck and van fleet with the Driver Safety Measuremen
    Read More
  • Global Road Safety Week focuses on 'little choices'
    June 25, 2024
    Education and awareness campaign designed to promote safe driving behaviour
    Read More

Highlighted Content