The latest 2009 statistics show that the number California motor vehicle accident deaths went down last year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in its 2009 Traffic Safety Facts Research Note, says there were 3,081 California traffic crash fatalities in 2009. That's 353 less traffic fatalities than in 2008.
More California Traffic Fatality Facts:
• 950 DUI-related traffic deaths in 2009 (down from 1,025 California DUI deaths in 2008)
• 394 California motorcycle crash deaths in 2009 (down from the 560 motorcyclist deaths in 2008)
California DUI grants, a poor economy, and better motorcycle training are some of the reasons attributed to why the number of California traffic fatalities has gone down for the fourth year in a row.
Nationally, there was also a significant decline in traffic fatalities. The NHTSA says that there were 33,808 motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities in 2009--a 9.7% decline from the 37,423 traffic deaths in 2008. This the lowest number of traffic deaths since 1950 when 33,186 people reportedly died.
Other 2009 US Traffic Crash Facts:
• 2,217,000 Total traffic injuries
• 503 large truck collision deaths
• 17,000 truck crash injuries
• 4,462 motorcycle crash deaths
• 90,000 motorcyclist injuries
• 4,092 pedestrian deaths
• 59,000 pedestrian injuries
• 630 pedalcyclist deaths
• 51,000 pedalcyclist injuries
Obviously, any traffic death or injury that occurs is one too many. Many motor vehicle crashes could have been prevented if only the other party involved hadn't been negligent. Drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, traffic violations, road defects, poor travel conditions, and auto defects continue to be among the common crashes of California traffic accidents.
In Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County, our Anaheim car accident attorneys represent clients and their families that have suffered injuries and deaths because of a negligent driver, auto manufacturer, or another liable party.
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Lowest Traffic Fatalities in Six Decades, NHTSA, September 13, 2010
Highlights of 2009 Motor Vehicle Crashes, NHTSA (PDF)
Related Web Resource:
Stats show drop in California traffic fatalities, Visalia Times-Delta, September 11, 2010
