4/28/2011 - Traffic-related fatalities reach historic low in 2010
Despite an increase in miles traveled last year, fewer people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2010.
According to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the number of traffic-related fatalities hasn't been this low since 1949.
"Last year's drop in traffic fatalities is welcome news and it proves that we can make a difference," LaHood said. "Still, too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day. We will continue doing everything possible to make cars safer, increase seat belt use, put a stop to drunk driving and distracted driving and encourage drivers to put safety first."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
says traffic-related fatalities have been falling for a number of years now, as since 2005, deaths from car accidents have dropped 25 percent.
Auto insurance companies take several things into consideration when determining premium prices, including vehicle crash ratings. Before purchasing a vehicle, consumers are advised to check with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
to see what cars have won safety awards.