Reducing highway deaths | Toledo, Ohio car accident attorney

The Charles E. Boyk Law Offices would like to inform you that vehicle fatalities declined to their lowest levels in 2009. While that is good news, there is still more work to be done to reduce avoidable deaths. Out of the 33,808 people who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2009, alcohol, speeding, and lack of safety belt use were key contributing factors. Plus, crashes are disproportionately high that impact children and teens. In order to reduce the deaths on the roads even further, it important to see where the problems exist and what else can be done.

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.

Alcohol
Crash deaths related to alcohol consumption declined in the 1980s, but there has been little progress made since the mid-1990s. In 2009, there were 10,839 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, marking a decline of 7.4 percent from 2008. That's consistent with the decline in overall deaths from 2008 to 2009, as those are down over 9 percent.

Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that 7,440 driver deaths would've been prevented if blood-alcohol content was below .08 percent. Ignition interlock systems are one way to combat the problem. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking to help states increase interlock use and strengthen their laws. Many people who are involved in alcohol-related crashes are repeat offenders, so this is one way to tackle the problem that has proven effective in some states.

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