A recent press release has indicated that fatal accidents in the United States have reached the lowest level in a decade.  In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in highway crashes, down more than 1,600 people from 2006.  This is the fewest fatal accidents on highways since 1994, when 40,716 people were killed.  Additionally, the fatality rate of 1.37 deaths for every 100 million miles traveled in 2007 was the lowest ever on record according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The government agency attributes the decrease in fatalities to safer vehicles and aggressive law enforcement. 

Unfortunately, motorcycle deaths buck the trend by increasing for the tenth straight year.  In 2007, there were 5,154 motorcycle deaths, and increase of more than 300 from the prior year.  The increase in motorcycle accidents is attributed to higher fuel prices, which means more people are driving motorcycles to save on fuel.  More disturbingly, nearly one-quarter of motorcycle deaths involve a driver or motorcycle rider who is drunk. 

If you have been involved in a motorcycle or automobile accident and wish to speak with a Missouri personal injury attorney, feel free to contact Josh Myers.  It is always free to discuss your case.