U.S. transport fatalities up; heavy-truck incidents fall

WASHINGTON, (Oct. 17, 2003) — Transportation fatalities in the U.S. increased slightly last year, but deaths in the category of medium and heavy trucks declined, according to preliminary figures released by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Deaths from transportation accidents in the U.S in 2002 totaled 45,098 — slightly up from the 44,969 fatalities in 2001. Highway fatalities, accounting for more than 94 per cent of the transportation deaths, increasing from 42,196 in 2001 to 42,815 in 2002. However, a decrease in deaths occurred in the category of medium and heavy trucks, which recorded 24 fewer fatalities in 2002 than the year before.

Meanwhile, total rail fatalities increased in 2002 to 603 from 597, reflecting a rise in pedestrian fatalities associated with inter-city rail operations.


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