The death toll in road traffic accidents increased in 2011

The death toll in road traffic accidents increased in 2011 (Alberta Times) Recently, the state Department of Transportation announced the death toll in road traffic accidents in 2011. After...

The death toll in road traffic accidents increased in 2011 (Alberta Times) Recently, the state Department of Transportation announced the number of road traffic accident fatalities in 2011. After a decline in 2010, this number rose sharply in 2011, which is worrying. According to data from the Ministry of Transportation. Road traffic fatalities dropped from 1,193 in 2005 to 758 in 2010. But in 2011 it increased by 9%, with 825 deaths. In addition to casualties, the Department of Transportation estimates that motor vehicle accidents cost the state's economy $290 million. According to data from the U.S. Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,310 people died in traffic accidents in the United States in 2011, which was 2% lower than in 2010 and 26% lower than in 2005. Transport ministry officials say drunk driving, distracted and fatigued driving, and failure to wear seat belts are the main causes of accidents. Some people send and receive text messages while driving, resulting in rear-end collisions and lane departures, and accidents occur as a result. In addition, this state, like 38 states in the United States, has no law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets, which has also led to an increase in the death toll of motorcycle riders. In 2011, 132 motorcycle riders died in traffic accidents, an increase of 55% from 2010. Officials from the Ministry of Transportation remind motorists: Cherish life and drive carefully.