Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths across all age groups, claiming over 1,000 lives statewide & over 41,000 lives per year nationwide. Earlier today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its annual Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) assessment of motor vehicle crash fatalities & injuries for 2006. This year, the report revealed a significant drop in fatalities across the state & country.
The report broke down roadway deaths by state. According to NHTSA, Arizona’s roadway death toll decreased by 18% with 227 fewer fatalities, from 1,293 in 2006 to 1,066 in 2007, second only to California in number of lives saved. Percentage wise, Arizona ranked fifth (-18%) in terms of lives saved over last year, following Vermont (-24%), South Dakota (-24%), Wyoming (-23%) & Delaware (-21%).
“While this year’s FARS assessment report results are encouraging, it is important to point out that a drop in traffic related deaths over a single year does not constitute a trend,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Traffic fatalities remain a serious public health issue, as over 112 people are dying & thousands more are injured on our roadways every day. The sad reality is that the majority of these fatalities are completely preventable through proper use of seatbelts, helmet & child safety seats.”
The report also revealed that motor vehicle injuries dropped by just over three percent, the lowest total since NHTSA began collecting injury data in 1988 while motorcycle deaths increased for the 10th straight year, comprising of 13% of all highway deaths last year. Additionally, pedestrian & cyclist fatalities also dropped by 2.9% & 9.6% respectively, while pedestrian injuries increased by 15%.
“As an advocate for the safety & security of all motorists in Arizona , AAA encourages transportation professionals to consider the use of proven behavior change theories & methodologies to further reduce risky behaviors contributing to fatalities,” said Gorman. “For example, implementing measures such as a booster seat & a primary seat belt law would help to save hundreds of lives across our state each year.”
AAA Arizona is a current and active member of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Council (GTSAC), which was established in 2004 to serve as a role model in leadership for developing, promoting & implementing cost-effective traffic safety strategies within the state transportation system. In addition, the Club served on the committee that developed the state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), which has identified the following emphasis areas in attempts to reduce the number of traffic fatalities:
1. Lack of restraint use. Nearly 700 traffic deaths & 3,000 serious injuries could be prevented each year if motorists and passengers would buckle up.
2. Young drivers 25 & under. Lack of experience, maturity & peer pressure increase the possibility for young drivers to be involved in crashes. Drivers in this age group account for over 350 traffic deaths & 3,000 serious injuries on Arizona roadways each year. AAA Arizona serves as the lead for this emphasis area team.
3. Speeding. This continues to be a significant factor in traffic crashes resulting in over 400 traffic deaths & more than 2,000 serious injuries annually in Arizona.
4. Impaired driving. Drivers’ inability to control their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs account for almost 500 traffic deaths & more than 1,000 serious injuries every year in Arizona.
5. Roadways departures. Improper lane changes, drifting off the road, crossing over the center line or improperly negotiating intersections are the combined results of driver error & roadway characteristics. Drivers in these situations account for over 600 traffic deaths & more than 2,000 serious injuries annually.
“The good news is progress has been made, for example, the new teen driving law went into effect earlier this summer,” said Gorman. “However, there so much more we can do to reduce injuries & fatalities & make our roads safer for everyone. Society has become complacent with the number of lives lost in traffic crashes each year. As a member organization representing over 800,000 motorists across Arizona, this is something that AAA refuses to do.”
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members & motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety & security of all travelers.