Culture Car News Traffic Deaths Near Record Lows
Posted by admin on Friday Sep 5, 2008 Under Culture Car News
Culture Car News
We’ve found a hidden bright side to high gas prices — a record low in traffic deaths.
CNN reports, "Traffic deaths in the United States declined last year, reaching the lowest level in more than a decade, the government reported Thursday." Transportation Secretary Mary Peters attributed the drop to "safer vehicles" and "aggressive law enforcement." But with Americans driving fewer miles each month this summer as gas prices spiked, experts predict "further reductions in highway deaths in 2008. Many states have reported double-digit drops in fatalities during the first part of this year."
That effect may even show in the 2007 numbers. Reuters reports, "Safety advocates…said the weakening economy and rising gasoline prices had an impact because estimates show driving declined about 1 percent in 2007 compared to the previous year."
Kicking Tires adds, "California had the largest decline (266 fewer deaths), while North Carolina had the largest increase (121 more)."
One dark note among the good news: a spike in motorcycle fatalities. The number of registered motorcycles has passed 6 million for the first time this year, compared to 3.8 million ten years ago. Many drivers are switching to two-wheeled transportation because motorcycles and scooters can get as much as 60 miles per gallon. CNN notes, "Transportation officials said they plan to target motorcycle drivers in a $13 million anti-drunk driving advertising campaign running during the upcoming Labor Day holiday. The department has also discussed new safety and training standards for novice riders, increased training for law enforcement and curbing counterfeit safety-labeling of helmets."
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