Today’s release of the 2003 Preliminary Estimate of Highway Fatalities by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which shows a slight increase in deaths, is disappointing news. The data indicates that in 2003 there were 43,220 deaths overall, compared to 42,815 in 2002.  While the death rate per million miles traveled remains at a historically low level, the actual number of fatalities continues to increase and that is a serious concern for GHSA.

States have been employing proven, effective strategies to reduce fatalities. As the DOT report notes, these have resulted in many positive gains including a historic low in the number of injuries from motor vehicle crashes and nearly an all-time low in the number of children age 7 and younger killed on our roadways. We are also encouraged to see significant reductions in the number of pedestrians and young drivers killed.

While progress has been made, more must be done. The substantial increase in motorcycle fatalities is troubling. To combat this, GHSA urges states to adopt a comprehensive motorcycle safety program including mandatory helmet laws.

Despite the misconception by the public that the problem has been solved, alcohol-related fatalities continue to account for forty percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. GHSA supports a broad strategy to fight this epidemic. Enforcement alone is not enough, which is why GHSA is working closely with prosecutors and judges to make sure that repeat offenders and those with high blood alcohol content levels are kept off the roadways.  Treatment programs must also be supported so those needing help can obtain it.

State Highway Safety Offices report that excessive speeding by motorists has reduced the expected gains in lives saved by record seat belt use.  State studies as well as those by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicate that motorists are driving at record speeds, well above posted limits. To help states remedy this problem, a greater federal effort is necessary. GHSA is committed to working closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other partners to bring the issue to the forefront of the national highway safety agenda.

Perhaps the most important component in reducing highway safety fatalities is funding. Currently, only 2 percent of the money spent on surface transportation programs goes to non-construction safety programs. GHSA strongly urges Congress to fund safety programs at the Senate approved level in the pending reauthorization. GHSA members also urge Congress to quickly reauthorize a full six-year program so that states can undertake more long-term planning and target resources.