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National Safety Council Estimates Traffic Fatalities Down 4% in First Six Months of 2014


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ITASCA, IL -- Aug. 12, 2014: Preliminary data collected by the National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2014 are down 4 percent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2014, 16,180 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 16,860 in 2013. Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.

"Studies show that 90 percent of crashes involve driver error, including speeding, alcohol use and distractions," said Deborah Hersman, president and CEO at NSC. "Although it's encouraging to see a decrease in fatalities, the unfortunate fact remains that many of these crashes could have been prevented."

In addition to human loss, motor vehicle crashes present a significant national cost in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses, administrative expenses, employer costs and property damage. The preliminary cost of motor vehicle deaths, injuries and property damage through June was $123 billion.