Highway car accident death rate drops

Highway car accident death rate drops According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities caused by crashes on Arizona highways decreased in 2010. Report…

Highway crash fatalities decline The number of fatalities caused by crashes on Arizona highways declined in 2010, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The report said 762 people were killed in crashes on highways and local roads last year, a drop of more than 5 percent from 2009. Four years ago, the number was 1,301, making it the state's highest-ever crash fatality year. ADOT is the agency dedicated to highway safety in the state. "Reducing fatal crashes caused by drunk driving is our goal," the ADOT director said in a news release. In fact, driving under the influence in Arizona can result in a 90-day driver's license suspension, one to 10 days in jail, vehicle impoundment and fines, as well as evaluation for the installation of an ignition interlock device. Such punishments are quite severe across the United States. Here are some crash data collected by ADOT in 2010: – In 2010, there were 106,177 crashes in the state – From 2009 to 2010, fatalities in rural areas dropped 20% (from 481 to 382) – During the same period, fatalities in urban areas increased by 17% (from 325 to 380) – While rural crashes accounted for 20% of crashes (21,375), they accounted for 49% of fatalities in 2010 – 78% of alcohol-related crashes occurred in urban areas – Most of the drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2010 were in the 25-34 age group – Crashes cost Arizona $266.8 million in direct economic losses in 2010 – 73.6% of crashes occurred between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. – October was the peak month for crashes