Reducing highway deaths continued | Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyer

This past fall, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) released final fatality data from 2009, which has since been summarized in various categories by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We have reviewed their findings and our own past reports to offer a look back at roadway risks last year, while highlighting areas where lives can be saved in the future.

Seat belts
Seat belt compliance is at 85 percent overall. Simply stated, the drivers and passengers who don't buckle up are more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes. In 2009 just 44 percent of passengers and 40 percent of drivers were belted in fatal crashes. It's clear that seat belts save lives. Campaigns such as "Click It or Ticket" have helped, but not all states have the same laws and enforcement. Those states with primary seat belt laws (where police can pull you over for only that offense) have a higher compliance rate.

Speeding
In 2009, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of crashes and has consistently been a factor in a third of vehicle deaths since 2000. Speeding leads to more deaths on minor roads compared to interstates or other major roads. More enforcement and wider use of red-light cameras are some solutions to helping combat the need for speed on the roads. The Insurance Institute recently noted that speeding and running red lights are some of the most important safety issues. However, there is little public support for greater speed enforcement and traffic cameras.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, call our Toledo, Ohio personal injury lawyers at 800.637.8170 for a free case evaluation or to request your free copy of The Ohio Accident Book