According to the 2012 U.S. Department of Transportation annual report, motor vehicle crashes and traffic fatalities increased in 2012 after six consecutive years of decreasing fatalities.
The rise in crashes, and the resulting fatalities and injuries, can be seen across many crash categories—vehicle type, alcohol impairment, crash location, and so on—and does not appear to be linked to any single issue.
However, there was a decrease in several traditional risk factor categories. For example, the number of young drivers involved in fatal crashes continues to fall, as it has since 2005.
According to the report, the country lost 33,561 people in highway crashes in 2012, a 3.3 percent increase from 32,479 in 2011. In 2012, the fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled (VMT) increased by 3.6 percent, to 1.14.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) General Estimates System (GES), an estimated 2.36 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012, up from 2.22 million in 2011.
This report’s information should not only serve as a reminder to drive safely but also as a constant reminder of the benefits that a life insurance policy can provide. Accidents can happen to people of all ages and health levels, but a life insurance policy can be set up to protect one’s family in the event of an accident.
Keep in mind that life insurance rates are currently at an all-time low, making it even easier to obtain a policy.