National Safety Council estimates traffic fatalities down

Preliminary data collected by the US National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2013 are down 5 per cent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2013, an estimated 16,620 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 17,430 in 2012. Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known. "The Council will be keeping a close eye on our monthly traffic fatality estimates to determine if this decrease is just a blip on the rad
August 9, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Preliminary data collected by the US 4953 National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2013 are down 5 per cent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2013, an estimated 16,620 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 17,430 in 2012.  Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.

"The Council will be keeping a close eye on our monthly traffic fatality estimates to determine if this decrease is just a blip on the radar," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "We are encouraged to see this downward trend and will remain vigilant to keep our roads as safe as possible."

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$127 billion. 

Related Content

  • October 7, 2014
    Orange County red light crashes decrease
    Red-light safety cameras are reducing traffic dangers in Orange County, Florida, according to a recent program update presented to the Board of County Commissioners that showed drivers are stopping on red and crashes are diminishing. The presentation from the Traffic Engineering Division of the county's Public Works Department included two years of red-light camera program data (July 2011 to June 2013) from the annual reports submitted to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which
    Read More
  • May 4, 2012
    In-vehicle fleet management system reduces losses
    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
  • November 20, 2018
    Interactive map reveals the UK’s riskiest roads
    The A254 between the junction with A28 in Margate and the junction with the A255 near Ramsgate is the UK’s riskiest road, according to an interactive Dangerous Road Map. There were 26 fatal and serious crashes per billion vehicle kilometres on this road, say motor insurer Ageas and the Road Safety Foundation (RSF). Both organisations are now calling on an immediate investment from the UK government of £75 million, and the same amount annually for five years thereafter to improve the country’s riskiest
    Read More
  • December 12, 2014
    The bottom line - US surface transportation system needs major investment
    The 2015 Bottom Line Report on transportation investment needs, released by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the American Public Transportation Association, estimates that to meet current demand it will require an annual capital investment over six years by all levels of government in the amount of $120 billion in the nation’s highway and bridge network and US$43 billion in America’s public transportation infrastructure. To meet the combined surface transportation
    Read More

Highlighted Content