2007 TRAFFIC ANNUAL ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS
On August 14, 2008, the National Highway and Transportation Safety Authority (www.NHTSA.gov) noted in their study that the overall number of traffic fatalities in 2007 reached its lowest level since 1994.
The 2007 annual assessment of motor vehicle crash fatalities of people injured revealed a 3.9% decline in people killed in the United States from 42,708 in 2006 to 41,059 in 2007. This reduction in fatalities is the largest in terms of number and percentage since 1992. Although passenger car occupant fatalities declined for the 5th consecutive year and light truck occupant fatalities dropped for the 2nd consecutive year, it is noteworthy that motorcycle fatalities continued their 10 year increase, reaching 5,154 in 2007, the highest level since NHTSA started collecting fatality crash data in 1975.
Motorcycle fatalities now account for 13% of all total fatalities. In Pennsylvania, the number of fatalities dropped to 1,491 in 2007 from 1,525 in 2006, a change of -2.2%. Internet users may access these crash statistics and other general information on traffic safety at www.nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/CATS/index.aspx.
Interestingly, motor vehicle crash fatalities were higher for males than females in all age groups, while the male population is equal to or less than the female population in all age groups. Compared to all age groups in both sexes, fatality rates increased only among males in the age groups 41 to 45, 46 to 50, and 51 to 55. Among both genders, the age group under 16 steadily declined not only in fatalities but also in fatality rate, whereas the 51 to 55 age group had the highest increase in fatalities. Among females, surprisingly, the over 65 age group had the highest number of fatalities, followed by the 16 to 20 age group. Among males, the age group 16 to 20, 21 to 25 and over 65 had more crash fatalities than any other age groups. The 46 to 50 age group had the greatest increase in fatality rates. For more information on highway traffic safety Here.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious, catastrophic injury or death as a result of a car accident, motorcycle accident or trucking accident or have lost a member of your family due to another driver’s careless actions, contact the Pennsylvania vehicle accident lawyers at the law firm of Reiff & Bily. We have been working diligently for 30 years to protect the rights of our clients. We work solely on a contingency fee basis, charging a small percentage of the recovery. We will not get paid one cent unless there is a successful recovery. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have handled thousands of motor vehicle injury cases and we have been honored nationally and internationally for our efforts in championing the rights of injured plaintiffs. We understand the difficulties, stresses and expenses caused by the negligent actions of others and we will make sure that you are properly compensated for your injuries and pain and suffering.
If you believe you have a claim, please contact our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Reiff & Bily or call us at 1-800-421-9595 for a free case evaluation.
