The National Safety Council (NSC) has released its preliminary findings for motor vehicle fatalities in 2018. The total number for the United States was 40,000 fatalities. This is 1 percent lower than 2017, which was 1 percent lower than 2016. Overall, that 2018 number breaks down to 12.19 deaths per 100,000 people or 1.24 deaths per 100 million miles traveled by motor vehicles.
While these numbers have held steady in the last few years, they are down from a few decades ago. This is attributed to better safety features for vehicles, stricter laws regarding driving under the influence, and other safety regulations. Nonetheless, these numbers would likely be much lower if it was not for such emerging problems as driving when distracted or drowsy driving.
Louisiana in the top 10
The NSC also analyzed these figures on a state-by-state basis. Louisiana ranked 7th overall in the number of fatalities per 100,000 drivers. The numbers are:
- There were 16.67 deaths per 100,000 drivers.
- The state had 777 motor vehicle fatalities in 2018, which is 18th overall.
- The deceased was not wearing a seat belt in 46 percent of these fatalities.
- The percentage of fatalities on rural roads was about the same as the city.
- Hammond was the most dangerous city with 23.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
Drivers can never be too careful
Drivers can help themselves by learning and exercising safe driving habits to either avoid crashes or reduce the seriousness of the injury. Always using a seat belt is a good place to start, but good driving habits cannot always protect drivers from the recklessness of others. Other drivers can be distracted, drive too fast or under the influence, or make other poor driving decisions. This leads to injuries or the death of innocent victims. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience in motor vehicle accidents can be a great help in getting victims the compensation that they need.
