Statistics are presented on the fatal accidents and fatalities from the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) for 1979. Comparative statistics are given for 1975 through 1978 where appropriate. Following a summary of the principal findings and a fatality profile, accidents are classified by collision type (first harmful event) and environment; vehicles are classified (passenger cars, motorcycles, light, medium, and heavy trucks, and school buses); occupants are described by alcohol consumption, use of restraints, age, and driver record; and nonoccupants are classified as pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and others. Figures for Puerto Rico are tabulated separately. A glossary is provided and a tabulation of 1979 fatalities by vehicle body type is appended.
Abstract