NHTSA Releases 2016 Traffic Accident Statistics
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its 2016 Annual Assessment of fatal traffic crash data. Statistics for last year indicate a 2.2% percent decrease in miles traveled by U.S. motorists.
Overall traffic accident deaths for 2016 was 37,461, up from 35,485 in 2015. While the NHTSA didn’t have the number of injured individuals in 2016, 2,443,000 people were injured in traffic collisions in 2015.
Other 2016 US Traffic Facts:
- Fatal car accidents: 34,439
- Motorcycle deaths: 5,286
- Injuries in 2015: 88,000
- Pedestrian Deaths: 5,987
- Injuries in 2015: 70,000
- Large Truck Occupant Deaths: 4,317
- Injuries: 116,000
Other important numbers show that the rate of DUI-related crashes is up. And that perhaps, that has something to do with the increase in fatal crashes.
According to the NHTSA data, 9,477 DUI-related accidents resulted in fatalities in 2016. Up from 9,350 in 2015. At least 10,497 died in these accidents in 2016. Also up from 10,320 in 2015.
Thankfully, the latest report also shows something positive.
Between 2015 and 2016, more Americans started making use of their seat belt. In 2016, 90.1% of Americans buckled up while in 2015, 88.5% of all vehicle occupants did.
Seat belts save lives. This number is positive and it shows drivers and passengers are paying attention.
