There has been a significant decrease in trucking accidents over the past several years. There has also been a 25% decrease in driving related fatalities from 39,252 in 2005 to 29,757 in 2011. More than 95% of the 9.6 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle accident in 2010 were passenger cars or light trucks. Midnight to 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays prove to be the deadliest three hour period for motorists. Fortunately, there has also been a significant improvement in the number of alcohol impaired driving fatalities which is attributed to drunk driving awareness programs and aggressive law enforcement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) has also reported that of the more than 5 million reported car accidents annually, approximately 28% of those persons involved in the crashes incurred personal injury. Mandatory use of seat belts and restraints has obviously played an important role in decreasing the amount of fatalities and severity of injuries. Please keep these trends moving in a positive direction by remembering to always buckle up for safety and practice defensive driving.
