More people died on U.S. roads while driving drunk or in bigger vehicles in 2005 despite record seat belt use, pushing traffic deaths nationwide to a 15-year high, the government reported late last week.
Total U.S. traffic deaths in 2005 reached 43,200, according to the statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"Every year this country experiences a national tragedy that is as preventable as it is devastating," Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said in a statement.
Passenger car deaths dropped slightly in 2005, while light truck fatalities – which include minivans, sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks – rose by 4.3 percent.
Motorcycle, pedestrian and large truck deaths also went up, the figures showed, while safety belt use nationally was 82 percent.
Overall, alcohol-related fatalities increased 1.7 percent to 16,972, compared to 2004. Total vehicle miles traveled was estimated to have increased slightly to 2.96 trillion, despite higher gasoline prices.
There were 243 million registered vehicles on U.S. roads in 2005, compared to a U.S. population of 295 million.
U.S. traffic fatality estimates released by the government each spring are based on actual data for the first nine months of the previous year, and the final figures are usually issued in late summer.
If the 2005 figures are finalized at the current rate, it would be the highest total since 1990, when 44,599 fatalities were recorded.
The last time highway deaths topped 43,000 was in 2002. In 2004, 42,636 fatalities occurred.
Total U.S. traffic deaths in 2005 reached 43,200, according to the statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"Every year this country experiences a national tragedy that is as preventable as it is devastating," Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said in a statement.
Passenger car deaths dropped slightly in 2005, while light truck fatalities – which include minivans, sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks – rose by 4.3 percent.
Motorcycle, pedestrian and large truck deaths also went up, the figures showed, while safety belt use nationally was 82 percent.
Overall, alcohol-related fatalities increased 1.7 percent to 16,972, compared to 2004. Total vehicle miles traveled was estimated to have increased slightly to 2.96 trillion, despite higher gasoline prices.
There were 243 million registered vehicles on U.S. roads in 2005, compared to a U.S. population of 295 million.
U.S. traffic fatality estimates released by the government each spring are based on actual data for the first nine months of the previous year, and the final figures are usually issued in late summer.
If the 2005 figures are finalized at the current rate, it would be the highest total since 1990, when 44,599 fatalities were recorded.
The last time highway deaths topped 43,000 was in 2002. In 2004, 42,636 fatalities occurred.
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