11 Traffic Fatality Stats You Should Know

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes annual data regarding the fatality rates involved in traffic accidents by state, and other factors including alcohol, type of roadway, etc. Several states have experienced an overall decline, including Michigan, where rates have declined by 39% over the last 15 years. While this is certainly good news, there are still some alarming statistics to consider when it comes to traffic fatalities.

Here is a breakdown of select NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data for the state of Michigan:

• Traffic fatalities in 2009: 871
• 43.8% of fatal events where caused by another vehicle
• 28 of the fatalities occurred on rural roads
• 20.1% of the fatalities were passengers
• The age group with the highest fatalities was 45-54
• Urban areas are the only areas with increases in fatalities from 2008 to 2009
• 38% of the fatalities had a BAC of .01 or greater
• 14% of fatalities were pedestrians
• Wayne County was up 9% in fatalities from 2008
• Genesee County was down 21% in fatalities from 2008
• It is estimated that 420 lives could have been saved using proper restraint

Sources:
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/STSI/26_MI/2009/26_MI_2009.htm