Six-month fatality numbers down in 2009: NHTSA
The number of motor vehicle crashes in the first six months of 2009 reached its lowest level since 2005, according to a report (.pdf file) released Oct. 9 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Early estimates show about 16,626 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2009 – a decrease of about 7 percent from the 17,871 fatalities during the same period in 2008. The number of vehicle miles traveled dropped by 1.7 percent during the first quarter and increased by 0.7 percent in the second quarter. Additional estimates show:
- The fatality rate for the first half of 2009 declined to 1.15 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled – down from 1.23 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first six months of 2008.
- February saw the largest decline in fatalities during the first half of 2009 – a 16 percent decline. Researchers noted that 2008 was a leap year, and 95 fatalities occurred during the extra day.
