Decline in Fatal Car Accidents

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s (IIHS) most recent statistics, the probability of dying in a car accident has declined by more than one-third in the past three years.
In 2012, there were 7,700 less fatal car accidents than 27 years ago. The IIHS suggests that the innovative design of vehicles contributes to the increased safety and decreased risk of car accident fatalities. Reports also showed that if vehicle designs did not change throughout the years, there would have been a steady increase of individuals dying from car accidents. The decline of fatalities from car accidents was especially prevalent between 1993 and 2006.

Some of the changes in automobiles that contribute to increased road safety include an improved structural design, as well as the supplement of additional safety features. However, the IIHS cautions the public that there is still a large gap between some of the safest model cars and the riskiest model cars in regards to the number of car accident fatalities.

Experts in the automotive field are continually looking for innovative technology to improve safety features in cars. On the other hand, some professionals in the industry believe it is important to improve existing safety features that have a record of success. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that seat belt use consistently saves lives and reduces the risk of injury during a car accident. Data shows that in 2009, 12,713 lives were saved as a result of individuals wearing their safety belts. Conversely, in 2012 over half of fatal car accident victims were not wearing safety belts.

Another area that safety exports want to focus on is lowering the speed limit. A study in the American Journal of Public Health reports a significant number of car accident deaths caused by speeding between 1995 and 2005. In 1995, Congress rescinded the national maximum speed of 55mph, even though statistics showed higher national speed limits account for more car accident fatalities. The NHTSA also stressed the importance of motorcyclists wearing helmets while driving, and urges all states to implement helmet use laws for all motorcycle riders. Finally, it was found that sobriety checkpoints and cameras helped reduce traffic violations, which helps reduce drunk driving accidents.