Washington Joins States with Declining Car Accident Death Rates

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 3, 2012

The rate of deaths in car accidents nationwide has been dropping dramatically over the past several years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Washington, like many states, has seen a decrease in traffic deaths in recent years as well.

2009, 2010, and 2011 all saw record decreases in car accident deaths. From 2009 to 2010, the number of deaths dropped 2.9 percent, from 33,883 to 32,885 – the lowest number since 1949, when 30,246 motorists lost their lives. Since then, however, the number of vehicle miles traveled every year on U.S. roads has increased dramatically but the number of deaths has not, indicating that per mile traveled, our roads are safer than they were in 1949.

In recent years, states with decreasing auto accident deaths have outpaced states with increasing rates. Washington is one of the states where the number of lives lost in car accidents has been dropping. Between 2009 and 2010, for instance, Washington saw a decrease of 34 deaths, from 492 deaths in 2009 to 458 in 2010, for a percent decrease of 2.9 percent, keeping pace with the national average.

The decrease in deaths in car accidents is good news for the country as a whole. Even one death is too many, however, when it hurts you or someone you love. At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our knowledgeable Seattle car crash lawyers can help you and your loved ones seek the compensation you need and deserve after a crash occurs. Call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free, confidential consultation.