U.S. Officials discouraged by first quarter car accident deaths

In today’s day-in-age, most residents of the United States utilize motorized vehicles of some sort to get from one place to another. While these vehicles make it easier to get the desired destination, they also unfortunately pose a risk of being involved in a car accident.

Statistics regarding the number of fatal traffic accidents that occurred in the first quarter of the year are in, and the news is not good. On the heels of a 60-year low in the number of deaths due to motor vehicle accidents in 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2011, the number was up 13.5 percent. This translates into an increase of 910 deaths, for a total of 7,630 between January 1 and March 31, 2012.

A definitive reason for the increase is not known, but a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, indicated the mild weather most of the country, including Florida, experienced last winter, could have something to do with it. While bad weather traditionally causes many drivers to stay home, better driving conditions likely brought more people out. This is significant because statistics indicate that the more miles that are collectively driven by residents of the United States, the greater the odds are of accidents occurring.

People who work in the field of trying to reduce fatal car accidents are disappointed by the numbers. Because the first quarter of each year traditionally turns in the lowest numbers of deaths tied to motor vehicle or traffic accidents, the odds are that the increase will not be absorbed in later quarters. Whether that will ultimately be true remains to be seen.

Source: CNN, “U.S. traffic fatalities soar 13.5 percent in first quarter of 2012,” Jim Barnett, July 23, 2012

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