The year 2013 brought good news to United States motorists. According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 1,063 less people killed and 49,000 less people injured in car accidents across the nation than in the previous year.
This reflects a continued downward trend that began in 2006. The only exception to this was in 2012 when the number of fatal car accidents increased slightly over the year before. Analysts attribute this to a mild 2012 winter, indicating that mild weather means more drivers on the road, which increases the chances of a motor vehicle collision.
NHTSA reports that the decrease in motor vehicle fatalities and injuries is seen across the board among all driver demographics. The past decade shows a 25 % decrease in the number of fatal car accidents. A significant decrease in the number of alcohol-related fatalities shows promise that strict laws and consistent sentences for drunk drivers is making a difference. Moreover, 2013 saw a 2.5% reduction in the number of fatalities in alcohol-related car accidents. Though this is good news, the bad news is that drunk driving car accidents still account for 31% of all fatal car accidents.
Fatal motorcycle accidents also decreased six percent in 2013, with a 60 % decrease among the 50-69 year old population. Total alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities decreased over eight percent in 2013, which was the sharpest decline among all drivers. States with universal helmet laws proved that helmets provide major protection when drivers are involved in a motorcycle accident. The states that had universal helmet laws had 150 fatal motorcycle accidents reported in 2013 compared to 1,704 fatalities in states without universal helmet laws.
In an analysis of the NHTSA data, the use of seatbelts and restraint systems among car passengers has increased, leading to an increase in the number of individuals surviving a serious car accident. Only 16% of unrestrained passengers survived a serious car crash in 2013 as compared to an 87% survival rate for restrained passengers.
Even with the promising trend in the reduction of fatal car accidents, there was still a high price to pay for the car accidents that did occur. The cost of all medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and associated expenses for the 32,719 car accidents that occurred in 2013 totaled $267.5 billion.
