National Safety Council reports traffic fatalities down
For the first three months of 2009, motor vehicle deaths nationwide were down markedly, according to the National Safety Council. During the first three months of 2008, there were 108 traffic fatalities in Washington State; in 2009 that figure was at 91.
This means this year there are 17 fewer families who have had to mourn the loss of loved ones because of tragic traffic collisions, said Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste.
"With summer rapidly approaching and generally accompanied by an increase in fatal and injury collisions, we appeal to Washingtonians to continue to drive responsibly," he said. "We also want you to know our troopers remain vigilant to the use of strict enforcement in order to change bad driver behavior and to ultimately save lives in our pursuit of Target Zero."
Target Zero is a combined effort of law enforcement, the Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Licensing, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and others to eliminate traffic fatalities and disabling injuries by 2030.
There are many contributing factors to the reduction of traffic fatalities and disabling injuries, said Batiste.
"When DOT designs a road, they do so with the safety of the motoring public in mind," he said.
The rapid response of emergency medical services getting the trained personnel with the proper life saving equipment to a collision scene is also a major contributor to saving lives. The safety products built into today's motor vehicles, such as air bags and anti-lock brakes, also add to the reduction in traffic fatalities and injuries, Batiste said.
"The safety messages sent out by the Traffic Safety Commission to educate the drivers are also helping reduce this number," he said.
However, the major causes of traffic collisions and fatalities are speed, aggressive driving, driving while impaired, and following too close, Batiste said.
"These are all controlled by the drivers," he added. "Make the wise choice this summer — drive safely."
