Decline in National Highway Accident Fatalities - March 16, 2010

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released its projected data for the number of traffic related deaths for the year 2009. The data indicates that the projected number of reported fatalities on the nation's roads and highways as 33,963. This number represents a drop of 8.9% when compared to the 37,262 deaths reported in the 2008 data. The 2009 figures continue the current downward trend in highway deaths, extending the decline to fifteen consecutive quarters. The 2009 numbers are also the lowest number of deaths since 1954. But when you consider the fatality rate, that is, the number of deaths per miles traveled, the 2009 rate is the lowest on record. The 2009 rate was 1.16 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million in 2008.

The NHTSA attributes the decline to a number of factors. The NHTSA believes that safer vehicles, safer roads and less driving by motorists have contributed. The NHTSA also believes that high visibility campaigns like Click It or Ticket intended to increase seat belt use, and Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest which is intended to curb drunk and distracted driving.

The NHTSA has also released it's recommendation for dealing with unintended acceleration. These suggestions are in the wake of the recent recalls and wide spread news regarding the sticky and entrapped gas pedal issues involving Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac cars. Some pedals problems have resulted in pedals being entrapped by floor mats, pedals harder to depress, gas pedals slower to return to the closed position and some getting stuck in a partially depressed position. With regard to pedals entrapment by floormats, it is imperative that car owners take out all removable floor mats on the driver's side or ensure that any mats are properly secured, until they are fixed by the dealer. Should you experience unintended acceleration due to faulty gas pedals, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration advises that you go through the 5 following steps:

Brake firmly and steadily - do not pump the brake pedal.

Shift the transmission into Neutral (for vehicles with automatic transmissions and the sport option, familiarize yourself with where Neutral is - the diagram may be misleading).

Steer to a safe location.

Shut the engine off (for vehicles with keyless ignition, familiarize yourself with how to turn the vehicle off when it is moving - this may be a different action than turning the vehicle off when it is stationary).

Call your dealer or repair shop to pick up the vehicle. Do not drive it.

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Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac vehicles affected by the entrapment recall are:

2007-2010 Camry

2005-2010 Avalon

2004-2009 Prius

2005-2010 Tacoma

2007-2010 Tundra

2007-2010 ES 350

2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

2008-2010 Highlander

2009-2010 Corolla

2009-2010 Venza

2009-2010 Matrix

2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

 

Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac vehicles affected by the sticky pedal recall are:

2007-2008 Tundra

2008-2010 Sequoia

2005-2010 Avalon

2007-2010 Camry

2009-2010 Corolla

2009-2010 Matrix

2009-2010 RAV4

2010 Highlander

2009-2010 Vibe