Highway deaths for most modes fall in ’09
WASHINGTON – Total transportation fatalities in the U.S. decreased by 9.2 percent in 2009 from 2008, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The data indicate that transportation fatalities in all modes totaled 35,928 in 2009, compared to 39,569 the year before.
Highway fatalities, which account for nearly 95 percent of all transportation deaths, decreased from 37,423 in 2008 to 33,808 in 2009. In fact, highway fatalities decreased in all categories including motorcycle fatalities (down 16 percent) which had been on the rise in recent years.
Although highway, rail and aviation deaths declined, pipeline and marine fatalities showed an increase.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 2009 was a record year for decreased truck involved fatalities.
2009 is also the first year in many where the rate of truck fatalities plunged disproportionately from cars.
Usually, cars and truck fatality rates fall at more or less the same rate.
Have your say
This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.