Last month, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) released an Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Fatalities in 2010.* As a Marietta auto attorney, I found some of the information encouraging and some discouraging, and I want to share the highlights of the latest statistics with you.

The Good News About 2010 Accident Statistics

First, let's focus on the good news. If these early estimates hold, then:
  • Fatal accidents decreased by 3% in 2010.
  • 2010 will be the year with the lowest number of recorded motor vehicle fatalities.

The Bad News About 2010 Accident Statistics

Now, let's discuss what is concerning about the 2010 fatality report:
  • 32,788 people died.
  • The fatalities in the third quarter of 2010 were higher than the third quarter of 2009, and the fatalities in the fourth quarter of 2010 were higher than the fourth quarter of 2009. This is the first time in five years that there was a rise in the fatality rate when comparing a quarter to a previous year's quarter.
  • The 3% decrease in fatalities was not evenly distributed across the country. Some areas of the country, most notably in the Northeast, saw a significant increase in motor vehicle accident deaths.

What to Do if You've Lost a Loved One in a 2010 Georgia Car Accident

If your loved one was one of the 32,788 people who died in a motor vehicle accident last year, then the statistics are of little comfort to you. While nothing can bring your loved one back to you, a Marietta car accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for your loved one's medical expenses and lost income and for your pain, suffering, and other expenses. Please contact an experienced Marietta accident attorney at 1.770.518.1133 for more information about your rights and potential recovery.

*Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Traffic Safety Facts Crash, Stats, Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Fatalities in 2010, April 2011