Children rely on us to keep them safe on the road. Based on the latest traffic safety data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), we could be doing a better job.
According to the NHTSA, the 14-and-younger age group accounted for 1,140 (4 percent) of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2011. This represented a 6-percent decrease from 2010 figures.
Nonetheless, motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for children age 4 and every age 11 through 14. Here in Florida, we continue to have one of the highest fatality rates for children age 14 and younger. In 2011, 68 children in that age group were killed on Florida roadways.
By comparison, New York saw 32 fatalities, while the small state of Rhode Island saw zero.
Below are some other interesting findings:
- Bicycle accidents: A total of 677 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2011. The 14-and-younger age group accounted for 9 percent (59) of those fatalities, and males accounted for 69 percent (41) of the fatalities among bicyclists age 14 and younger.
- Pedestrian accidents: There were a total of 4,432 pedestrian fatalities in 2011, the 14-and-younger age group accounted for 230 (5%) of those fatalities. One-fifth (20%) of the traffic fatalities in the 14-and-younger age group were pedestrians.
- Drunk driving accidents: In 2011, of the 1,140 children age 14 and younger killed, 181 (16%) were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. Out of those 181 deaths, 50 percent (91) were passengers of a vehicle with a driver who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.
Many of these statistics are improvements over prior years. However, as Naples injury attorneys, we aren’t satisfied. We routinely see how devastating these accidents can be on both the children and their families.
The Dellutri Law Group is focused on making bad situations better and putting lives back together. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Naples accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your legal options, contact our experienced Naples injury attorneys for a free consultation.
