Posted On: October 18, 2009 by Christopher T. Hurley

Highway Deaths at Record Low in first half of 2009

Ken Thomas reported, “the government says deaths on U.S. highways have dropped to a record low during the first six months of 2009,” which is a continuation of a recent trend (AP for FindLaw, 10/9). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data supporting a 7 percent decrease in highway deaths from the same period last year.

Last year, more than 37,000 highway fatalities occurred, which was the lowest since 1961. Officials predict the figures for this year will be even lower. Highways deaths have been steadily declining since 2005.

Safety experts have “attributed the declines in highway deaths to the economic recession, record-high seat belt use, vehicle safety advances, and fewer people driving.” As a personal injury attorney who seeks compensation for victims of wrongful deaths, I am pleased to see this decline in highway fatalities.

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