For the first time since 1981 (when data was first available), motor vehicle traffic crashes were not among the top 10 causes of death in the United States. Motor vehicle crashes were the 11th leading cause of death in 2009. In 2008, motor vehicle traffic crashes were the 9th leading cause of death overall. Fatalities in motor vehicle crashes have declined by about 25 percent since 2005, influenced largely by a significant drop in crashes and fatalities involving the younger population. In spite of these changes, motor vehicle traffic crashes continue to be leading cause of death in the younger age groups. Because of the young lives lost, in 2009, motor vehicle traffic crashes ranked 5th overall in terms of the years of life lost, i.e., the number of remaining years that the person is expected to live had they not died, behind only cancer and heart diseases. The corresponding rank in 2008 in terms of the years of life lost was 4th overall. Also, in 2009, when ranked by specific ages, motor vehicle traffic crashes were the leading cause of death for age 4 and every age 11 through 27. In 2008, motor vehicle traffic crashes were the leading cause of death for each age 13 through 30. The age groups reflect categories of interest to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in terms of child-restraint programs (toddlers, infants, and young children), new drivers (youth and young adults), other adults, and older people. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting