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Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach 55-Year Low

Consumer Affairs -- Variety of factors credited for continued decline in highway deaths....

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Submitted Mar 14, 2010 By: Cakes77

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Blue48 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,486 Points:632,865 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2010 4:48:25 PM Ignore Blue48 Report Abuse GOOD TO HEAR!!
POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:6,032 Points:681,570 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:40:53 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse and if more people drove 55 there might be less accidents and more oil left.
jeskibuff Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,391 Points:434,380 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:30:21 PM Ignore jeskibuff Report Abuse jeepster4 said: "If we had the good solid metal cars and 55mph speed limits of 1994, we would have the death rate of 1.73/VMT like we had in 1994." And why would we want a higher rate? I remember when Clinton axed that stupid 55-MPH limit. The Chicken Littles predicted there would be carnage all over our highways. In actuality, the fatality rate DECREASED. The simple-minded STILL can't think anything else but "SPEED KILLS", despite the stark realities.
ILANGE9 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,334 Points:583,905 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 10:36:55 PM Ignore ILANGE9 Report Abuse Great news if true.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,150 Points:591,800 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 8:10:50 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse one of the bigger issues I see is the lack of quality driving education. Driving slower is not necessarily bad, but driving 48 in a 55 mph rural zone will more likely lead to an accident when people try to pass the moving obstacle.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,150 Points:591,800 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 8:09:49 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse not sure about the alcohol related fatalities, greywolves. Know too many cases that are DUI related (both alcohol and other stuff).
greywolves Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:3,930 Points:1,495,745 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 10:48:37 AM Ignore greywolves Report Abuse i believe the two most significant events over the last 15 quarters are a reduction of miles driven by drivers age 16 to 21, and reduction in alcohol related accidents.
genef01 Champion Author Nashville Posts:1,991 Points:663,060 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 1:47:29 AM Ignore genef01 Report Abuse I would like to know where they get their VMT figures. Statistically it appears to be good that the fatality rate is dropping, but I question where they are getting the vehicle miles driven. At any rate, even if just 1 less person dies on the highway, that is good.
jeepster4 Champion Author Kansas City Posts:4,264 Points:699,890 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 1:38:10 AM Ignore jeepster4 Report Abuse "This isnt a statistic that a federal agency should be proud of. True its great fewer people have been killed. The statistics only show that economics brought on by the administration they work for has crippled Americans enough that they cant afford to drive as much as they used to. The less people drive, the fewer the accidents and fatalities." A combination of not reading the article and pushing a political agenda led to this misstatement. The 2009 rate of fatalities per 100 million miles has nothing to do with the current economy or the total number of miles traveled in 2009(miles traveled in 2009 actually increased over 2008, but that is another story). The 2009 rate of 1.16/VMT is the lowest figure ever recorded and has gone down constantly over the years, even with smaller cars and more use of plastics. If we had the good solid metal cars and 55mph speed limits of 1994, we would have the death rate of 1.73/VMT like we had in 1994.
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,324 Points:581,955 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 1:20:35 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse It will be interesting to see how this number changes when they begin introducing more and more of the plastic hybrids, smart cars and electric vehicles. True less metal and weight will get you better gas mileage, but will happen when it hits a tree or an SUV?
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,324 Points:581,955 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 1:10:22 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse This isnt a statistic that a federal agency should be proud of. True its great fewer people have been killed. The statistics only show that economics brought on by the administration they work for has crippled Americans enough that they cant afford to drive as much as they used to. The less people drive, the fewer the accidents and fatalities.
ashishpa All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:554 Points:130,145 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 1:01:47 AM Ignore ashishpa Report Abuse Its still very huge number of deaths in traffic accidents every year. This is very sad.
Saturn93 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:4,043 Points:975,365 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:57:48 AM Ignore Saturn93 Report Abuse Fewer passenger miles driven and greater use of seat belts are the biggest factors by far.
mmene Champion Author Houston Posts:2,378 Points:547,820 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:47:45 AM Ignore mmene Report Abuse Well cars clearly are getting safer every year and now that less people are driving with the current unemployment levels it is hardly surprising that traffic fatalties are coming down.
CruisinLinda Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:6,275 Points:1,259,830 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:39:07 AM Ignore CruisinLinda Report Abuse NHTSA can take credit for its ad campaigns fewer deaths on the road, but here is the real reason: "According to early projections by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the fatality rate, which takes into account the number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level since record-keeping started." So here is another consolation for the weak economy and unemployment. The others are lower gas prices and less driving leading to living a slower life and stopping to smell the roses.
250FORD Champion Author Minnesota Posts:7,489 Points:1,198,560 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:37:56 AM Ignore 250FORD Report Abuse It shows people can't afford to drive. Of course deaths go down when when miles driven goes down.
jadeusa Champion Author Dallas Posts:4,091 Points:836,985 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:36:01 AM Ignore jadeusa Report Abuse Safety belts, laws against cell phones and text messaging, awareness of driving through school zones have slowly brought down the accidents/ deaths due to accidents.
Sody33 Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:12,650 Points:1,467,150 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:34:49 AM Ignore Sody33 Report Abuse Less miles driven = less gas purchased = less situations where one would be in a fatal accident = more care to use the fuel you have carefully = less traffic fatalities. Besides we cannot afford to lose good people in autos.
Mowerman08 All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:904 Points:409,300 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:33:12 AM Ignore Mowerman08 Report Abuse Right now this is a project guess, the final numbers won't be out until later this summer. But there will be a decline in road deaths, even as already reported in Wis.
zdn Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,095 Points:280,020 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:31:49 AM Ignore zdn Report Abuse good
EcoVore Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,991 Points:295,385 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:28:54 AM Ignore EcoVore Report Abuse Fatalities heading lower thats great.
JCS319 Champion Author Tacoma Posts:10,112 Points:1,526,305 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:25:32 AM Ignore JCS319 Report Abuse If you had read the article, you would have found that the decrease in the fatality rate has nothing to do with the economy or less miles driven. Looks like a combination of increased law enforcement and better vehicle safety.
captngasTN Champion Author Tennessee Posts:1,717 Points:392,005 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:24:46 AM Ignore captngasTN Report Abuse Of course NHTSA wants to claim credit but less miles travelled means fewer opportunities.
rwm1 Champion Author Iowa Posts:1,907 Points:814,070 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:18:14 AM Ignore rwm1 Report Abuse That's good news. But I seem to find the idiot drivers still out there. Like the one driving the wrong lane on Halloween and caused me to go off the road or the woman who decided to switch lanes unexpectedly causing me to slide on ice. Both were close calls. Not to mention all the deer and other varmints that like to run out on you.
cutter1330 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:2,936 Points:682,260 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:16:36 AM Ignore cutter1330 Report Abuse This is a good thing....deaths headed down.
EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:11,511 Points:2,021,610 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:16:18 AM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse Whydo I have to click to see the complete sentance?
10k Champion Author North Carolina Posts:12,589 Points:1,239,675 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:15:12 AM Ignore 10k Report Abuse fewer unemployed peeps like me on the road..no loot-no gas..
grouch311 Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,864 Points:636,830 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:14:17 AM Ignore grouch311 Report Abuse more laws coming out
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,324 Points:581,955 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:13:07 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse Cant drive as much under the oppressive economic conditions.
Mooseman1 Champion Author Manitoba Posts:5,343 Points:895,065 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:12:47 AM Ignore Mooseman1 Report Abuse Allot has changed since 1954. Car safety needed to be improved.
96sc1 Champion Author El Paso Posts:5,395 Points:697,955 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:10:19 AM Ignore 96sc1 Report Abuse Perhaps more horrible maimings instead.
roadrunnerMO Champion Author Kansas Posts:3,240 Points:694,995 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:09:51 AM Ignore roadrunnerMO Report Abuse Slowing down to save gas and driving less both cut down on traffic fatalities.
pbc2001 Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,311 Points:416,430 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:04:52 AM Ignore pbc2001 Report Abuse Fewer people on the roads mean fewer deaths.
thriftymeCA Sophomore Author Oakland Posts:127 Points:31,075 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:04:10 AM Ignore thriftymeCA Report Abuse Still see many people holding there cellphones even though it is against the law in CA.
DosEquis26 Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,787 Points:1,057,285 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:03:12 AM Ignore DosEquis26 Report Abuse people without jobs generally don't crash cars
Sgt151 Rookie Author Louisiana Posts:67 Points:415,520 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:00:34 AM Ignore Sgt151 Report Abuse Fewer people on the roads mean fewer deaths.
jackson661 Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,666 Points:539,550 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:59:55 PM Ignore jackson661 Report Abuse This is Great news.....
Gary65 Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,390 Points:430,860 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:54:59 PM Ignore Gary65 Report Abuse That's good nice to hear.
oahugasit Veteran Author Hawaii Posts:459 Points:494,200 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:53:59 PM Ignore oahugasit Report Abuse Great news, but still it would be greater if we had very few highway deaths. Texting and driving is just ... crazy.
toyota1999 Champion Author Louisville Posts:5,121 Points:1,059,635 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:53:37 PM Ignore toyota1999 Report Abuse I am sure when gas prices rose up to 4 dollars, people drove less. Now that people are not working, they drive less. I am sure unemployment helps keep the death rate down because if you don't go to work, you probably won't drive everyday twice a day.
Nicoalbum All-Star Author Ottawa Posts:802 Points:175,220 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:51:30 PM Ignore Nicoalbum Report Abuse It says the fatality rate takes in account the miles driven, but still it is almost 34000 deaths in total, almost 100 a day across the United States.
esquared Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:3,783 Points:1,112,425 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:47:09 PM Ignore esquared Report Abuse Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are to "blame..."
JoeKR Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,806 Points:1,082,745 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:42:34 PM Ignore JoeKR Report Abuse But I'll bet Toyota's contributions have risen.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:3,693 Points:966,045 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:38:12 PM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse Fewer jobs, higher unemployment, higher gas prices as well as other necessities - why be surprised the highway fatalities are down? People are driving less and fatalities are following the decline.
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:4,015 Points:775,345 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:38:06 PM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse Try fewer miles driven... primarily...
MidNJ Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,326 Points:211,930 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:36:46 PM Ignore MidNJ Report Abuse Wait a minute: What does this have to do with the ongoing onslaught of Toyota death car stories?
Somis1 Champion Author Ventura Posts:8,131 Points:1,624,590 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:35:53 PM Ignore Somis1 Report Abuse Toyota is sort of bucking the trend.
vulcan96 Champion Author Ohio Posts:17,681 Points:2,090,495 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:31:39 PM Ignore vulcan96 Report Abuse duh - less money - higher priced gas = less traveling
Toppers Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,927 Points:1,462,965 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:29:37 PM Ignore Toppers Report Abuse Fewer people working=few people driving...
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:3,360 Points:625,755 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 11:26:44 PM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse This could also be attributed to fewer cars on the road because of people being out of work.