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  4.  | Some important facts on fatal motor vehicle accidents

Some important facts on fatal motor vehicle accidents

A review of the latest available motor vehicle crash statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals some sobering numbers in its 2012 survey. The NHTSA report says that motor vehicle traffic fatalities increased dramatically in 2012 after being on the decline for six straight years. According to the report, 33,561 people died on American roads in 2012

Surprisingly, crashes associated with certain risk factors like younger drivers continue to be on a five-year decline, whereas pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities have recently trended upward. Another striking statistic is that the bulk of the increase in fatalities occurred in the first part of 2012, accounting for 72 percent of fatalities increases between January through March.

Here are some of the other more notable facts from the report:

— Almost 70 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accident victims are men. This statistic has remained unchanged for decades.

— A total of 21,667 occupants of passenger vehicles killed in 2012.

— 2012 saw 351 more fatalities than the previous year in occupants of passenger vehicles.

— Fatal accidents involving drivers impaired by alcohol accounted for 31 percent of all crashes, up 4.6 percent from the previous year.

— Occupants of vehicles using restraints perished almost in the same numbers of those not using restraints. The study showed 10,478 died wearing restraints whereas 11,189 died without them.

— Ohio lost 1,123 people in 385 alcohol-related crashes in 2012

Although this is not a complete listing of all the relevant facts, these numbers should convince you that Ohio residents are not immune to fatal motor vehicle accidents. If you have lost a loved one as a result of a preventable crash you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the decedent’s estate. If successful, it may be possible to recover whatever future earnings your loved one may have earned, funeral expenses and other related costs.

Source: DOT-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “2012 Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview” Sep. 04, 2014