Report: Highway fatalities drop to historic low

Sep 14, 2008

The overall number of traffic fatalities declined to the lowest level since 1994, but the number of motorcycle-related fatalities continues to rise, a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows.

Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced Aug. 14 that the overall number of traffic fatalities fell in 2007 to 41,059 – the lowest number since 1994. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.37 – also the lowest fatality rate on record, she said. Peters attributed the drop to safer vehicles, aggressive law enforcement, and efforts by DOT and NHTSA.

However, motorcycle fatalities increased for the 10th straight year, rising 6.6 percent in 2007, Peters said. Additional findings show alcohol-related fatalities involving a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 declined by 3.7 percent in 2007, and the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled fell to a historic low of 1.37. States with the largest reduction in number of fatalities were California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, New York and Missouri.