(September 17, 2010) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports a record low fatality rate on U.S. highways in 2009, a 10-percent drop from 2008. The 1.13 fatalities per 100-million vehicle miles in 2009 is the lowest rate in U.S. history.
 
Automakers cite manufacturer-driven safety improvements including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and newer high-tech features being added to vehicles every year including such features as lane-departure warning and radar for collision avoidance. Automakers are also working to reduce driver distraction by incorporating more voice activated controls for entertainment, information and navigation via Bluetooth technology.

"For years, automakers have been focused on adding safety technologies that have the biggest impact on the most people, and we're seeing the results in the actual numbers and statistics. Cynics have said that declining traffic deaths were caused by the recession. So we are particularly gratified to see these record reductions continue, even as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rose again in 2009. There's never been a safer time on our roads,” says Dave McCurdy, CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

"What's really impressive is that during the last 50 years — while the fatality rate has been dropping to this historic low — the number of licensed drivers has more than doubled and annual VMT have more than quadrupled. Vehicle safety technologies, combined with consumer education, and tough laws combating the most dangerous driver behaviors have allowed us to reduce deaths and injuries even with more drivers and vehicles on the road."

Source: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, NHTSA