Tennessee Injury Attorney Blog
It was recently announced by Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary that the number of traffic related deaths fell in 2010.
Our Knoxville car accident lawyers know our regional area saw a 3% drop in fatalities but the northeast area of the country saw double digit increases.
“Too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day. We will continue doing everything possible to make cars safer, increase seat belt use, put a stop to drunk driving and distracted driving and encourage drivers to put safety first,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Highlights of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) early projections include:
-There were 1,020 fewer traffic-related fatalities in 2010 than in 2009.
-The rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled went from 1.13 to 1.09.
-There were 10,722 fewer traffic-related fatalities in 2010 when compared to 2005 data.
Though these numbers look promising, a regional breakdown illustrated that the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island saw an 18% increase in traffic deaths. The most improved area was in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska, these states reported a 12% decrease.
“NHTSA will continue pressing forward on all of our safety initiatives to make sure our roads are as safe as they can possibly be,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.
An all-inclusive approach has been the undertaking of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to decrease roadway fatalities including public awareness campaigns, promoting strong traffic safety laws and strict vehicle safety programs.
In 2009, campaigns like “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” and “Click It Or Ticket” were aimed at preventing drunk driving and increasing seat belt use. Also, a website was launched dedicated to distracted driving.
NHTSA continues to improve vehicle safety by urging automakers to announce safety defects as soon as possible. They embrace technology such as forward collision warning, electronic stability control and lane departure warning systems to reduce crashes.
In 2010, the revised 5-star rating system for crash test standards was released.
The use of cable median barriers and rumble strips encouraged by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has help reduced crossover head-on collisions. On new roadway projects Safety Edge technology (re-shaping pavement edges) is being used to help keep drivers on the road.
Still, we expect to see a significant increase in the number of fatalities as the economy recovers. Individual driving behavior that puts safety first is still the best way to keep the roads save for everyone.
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in an accident in Tennessee, contact Hartsoe Law Firm, P.C. for a confidential appointment to discuss your rights with our Knoxville injury lawyers and Maryville accident attorneys. Call (877) 472-5657.