Motorists' Group Heralds Drop in Traffic Fatalities

WASHINGTON, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the American Highway Users Alliance applauded our federal, state, and local transportation departments for their coordinated efforts to reduce highway fatalities in 2009.

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According to today's release of the US Department of Transportation's early estimate of motor vehicle fatalities for 2009, annual highway deaths have dropped to the lowest level since record keeping began. 

Highway Users President & CEO Greg Cohen commented, "Although Americans drove slightly more in 2009 than they did in 2008, fatalities dropped by nearly 9%.  However, in 2009 we still lost nearly 34,000 friends and loved ones on our streets and highways.

"We are pleased with the progress being made, but we also agree with USDOT Secretary LaHood who calls the remaining 34,000 annual fatalities 'preventable'.  And we must not lose sight of the fact that car crashes are still the #1 cause of death for children and young adults.  Let's keep making progress on this epidemic until we can celebrate zero deaths on our roads."

The recently expired five-year highway bill, 2005's Safe, Accountable, Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) increased federal funding and accountability for state and local safety investments.  The bill required USDOT to collect and review a "Strategic Highway Safety Plan" from every state.  These strategic plans helped to direct highway funding for projects that eliminate road hazards and systemically improve the safety features of our highways.  Improvements included the installation of safety barriers, brighter signs and markings, rumble strips, re-engineered intersections, as well as safer driving PR campaigns.  These investments are clearly paying off.

"SAFETEA-LU expired six months ago," said Cohen, "And we shouldn't allow safety gains to be reversed.  Congress and the Obama Administration must continue making progress by authorizing a new and robust multi-year highway and safety bill that increases the strategic, systemic investment in life-saving road safety improvements."

The American Highway Users Alliance represents motorists, bus companies, truckers, RV enthusiasts, motorcyclists and a broad cross-section of businesses that depend on safe and efficient highways to transport their families, customers, employees, and products. Highway Users' members advocate public policies that improve highway safety and mobility. 

SOURCE American Highway Users Alliance