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Highway Deaths Fall to Lowest Since 1949

April 5, 2011  ·  By HM&M

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As a Chicago area car and truck accident attorney, I am thrilled by the recent reports showing that “highway deaths have fallen to their lowest levels in more than 60 years.” (K.Thomas, Washington AP, 3/31).

The U.S. Department of Transportation cited a 3% decrease in highway fatalities from 2009. Moreover, the total estimated number of fatalities at 32,788 people is the lowest number since 1949. Certainly, nearly 33,000 deaths is still far too many, but the government attributed decreases in fatalities to numerous factors including higher rate of seat belt usage in consumers, technological increases making vehicles safer, and effective and widespread efforts to prevent drunk driving.

Even more promising is the fact that the decline in fatalities came during a year when Americans, on average, drove more miles. Although there is still much room for improvement, I am pleased with this report and am hopeful that seat belt usage and other preventative measures will safe more lives in the years to come.

April 5, 2011

FDA Tackles Food Imports From Affected Area Of Japan

Amid detection of low levels of radiation in the United States, he Food and Drug Administration says “it will halt imports of dairy products and produce from the area of Japan where a nuclear reactor is leaking radiation.” (M.C. Jalonick, AP Washington, 3/22). Although the FDA previously reported it would enhance the screening of foods... Read More

April 5, 2011

Chicago Attorney Urges Support for New Effort Aiming to Increase Global Road Safety

A promising new global initiative “intended to finance programs that would help reduce worldwide crash casualties was announced on Tuesday in London.” (T. Mohn, NY Times Wheels, 4/12). The Commission for Global Road Safety has created the Driving Safety Initiative, which is “calling on the automobile industry to play a leading role in improving safety... Read More

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