Fatality rate increases in 2004

DOT head says nation faces an "epidemic"

Fatalities on the nation's highways from large-truck crashes have once again risen above 5,000, but the estimated number of injuries for truck occupants fell by more than 7% last year, according to preliminary government data.

Fatalities form large-truck crashes increased slightly fom 4,986 in 2003 to an estimated 5,169 in 2004, an increase of nearly 4%. Total injuries for large-truck-involved crashes fell to 118,000 from 122,000, a 3% drop.

Results were mixed among all highway accidents, according to projected 2004 data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the fatality rate dropped and alcohol-related crashes are down from 2003, the death toll rose to 42,800 in 2004, up slightly from 42,643 in 2003.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said safety belts may be the best preventive medicine. "We are in the midst of a national epidemic," he said. "If this many people were to die from any one disease in a single year, Americans would demand a vaccine. The irony is we already have the best vaccine available to reduce the death toll on our highways- safety belts."

The NHTSA report projects a fatality rate of 1.46 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), a drop from a record low of 1.48 in 2003.

The report also projects the seventh straight increase in motorcyle fatalities. Last year, 3,927 motorcyclists died, a 7.3% increase over 2003.

NHTSA estimates show that highway crashes cost society $230.6 billion a year, about $820 per person.

"Sadly, traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death in American children and young adults," said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey Runge, M.D. "While seat belt use, at 80%, is at an all-time high, we could save thousands more lives each year if everyone buckled-up."