According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in 2010 there was an increase in the amount of accident fatalities involving medium and heavy trucks, buses and motorcycles. In addition, in 2010 deadly rail and pipeline accidents also increased.
According to recently released NTSB data:
- There were 4,502 motorcycle fatalities in 2010, up from 4,469 in 2009
- Rail accident deaths increased from 742 in 2009 to 813 in 2010
- Truck accident fatalities involving medium and heavy trucks increased from 499 in 2009 to 529 in 2010
- In 2010, there were 44 bus-related deaths, compared to 26 the previous year
- A pipeline accident in San Bruno, California contributed to the amount of pipeline accident fatalities rising from 13 in 2009 to 22 in 2010
Overall Transportation Fatalities Decrease
Despite the increase of accident fatalities in certain categories, the NTSB also found that there has actually been a decrease in deadly roadway accidents overall. In 2009, the agency found, there were 33,883 accidents involving passenger cars, vans and light trucks. This number decreased to 32,885 in 2010.
Although this data is encouraging, the NTSB says that the roads should still be much safer.
"The NTSB continues to advocate for changes to address human factors, equipment, and infrastructure improvements to prevent crashes, we continue to see far too many deaths each year," NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said in a statement.
Similar Study Findings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also found that there were fewer motor vehicle fatalities on America's roads in 2010 compared to recent years. According to a study released by the agency:
- Alcohol-related accidents fatalities decreased 4.9 percent in 2010
- The deaths of passengers in vehicle crashes decreased by 1,260
- The amount of fatalities per 100 miles traveled decreased to 1.10, down from 1.15 in 2009
Although these improvements in road safety are encouraging, there is still much more work to be done to ensure all motorists are as safe as possible.
