NHTSA Reports 33,963 Traffic Deaths in 2009
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of traffic deaths went down to its lowest level since 1954 with 33,963 fatalities in 2009. That’s 3,300 less traffic fatalities than in 2008. The fatality rate, which factors in the number of miles traveled, hit its lowest level ever.
While US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood acknowledged that this news was positive, he noted that there were still too many people dying in traffic accidents throughout the US.
The NHTSA attributes the drop in traffic deaths last year to its continued efforts to stop drunk driving, remind people to wear seatbelts, and prevent distracted driving. The federal government vows to keep on fighting against these driving dangers.
In North Carolina, our Charlotte car accident attorneys continue to take calls from many people who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes because someone was negligent. Common causes of North Carolina traffic crashes continue to include:
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drugged driving
• Texting while driving
• Cell phone use
• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Driver inexperience
• Drugged driving
It is very important that you contact an experienced Hickory car crash law firm first before speaking with the responsible party’s insurance company. If you settle your Charlotte, North Carolina car collision case without exploring your legal options, you may be signing away your right to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, burn injuries, neck injury, head injury, back injury, or any other personal injuries.
It can be hard to know at first glance how much medical and rehabilitation care you will need to recover. You may find yourself unable to work for months or even longer. An experienced Monroe, North Carolina car accident lawyer can help you figure all of this out and pursue your recovery for you.
Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low, NHTSA, March 11, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2009 (PDF)
University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center
