U.S. Sees Decrease in Fatal Accidents -- Officials Hope to see the same For Southeast Missouri Car Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of motor vehicle accidents nationwide has declined for the fourth year in a row. The United States also experienced the lowest number of traffic fatalities in 2009 since 1949. We've seen an 8.9 percent decrease from 2008 to 2009 and another 3 percent decrease from 2009 to 2010.

Our Cape Girardeau and New Madrid personal injury lawyers urge drivers to continue to practice safe driving habits as the last two quarters of 2010 showed a slight increase in vehicle accidents. Primary causes for car crashes include drunk driving, speeding and distracted driving. Officials believe the increase is directly related to the recovering economy. Previous studies show that traffic trends often mimic economic trends. While we all hope the economic recovery continues, an increased risk of car accidents in Missouri's Heartland will likely result.

Officials credit other influences for the decreasing number of accidents. Some would argue that the increased visibility of traffic enforcement, new laws banning distracted driving and more wide-spread seat belt laws are causes for the accident decrease. Officials hope to continue to reduce the number of car accidents in Jackson, Charleston, Cape Girardeau and elsewhere in Southeast Missouri even as the nation experiences what we all hope is a sustained economic recovery.

"We've worked hard to make sure drivers are getting our 'Click it or Ticket' and 'Over the Limit, Under Arrest' messages," noted Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in his blog. "I have been on a personal tear to raise awareness about distracted driving."

According to the NHTSA, the U.S. saw one of the lowest fatality rates in history last year, with 1.16 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The Administrations stated that the decrease in fatalities for 2010 occurred even though there was an estimated increase of nearly 21 billion miles in national vehicle miles traveled.

"The decrease in traffic fatalities is a good sign, but we are always working to save lives," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "NHTSA will continue pressing forward on all of our safety initiatives to make sure our roads are as safe as they can possibly be."

According to a report by the NHTSA, specific to Missouri, the state saw close to 900 traffic accident fatalities in 2009. Roughly 300 of those fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit of .08.

As we head into the spring season, travelers will begin making their vacation plans. With each passing week, the traffic on our roads will increase. Motorists are encouraged to drive safely and alertly and to do all they can to ensure they reach their destination safely.