Road traffic accidents, some numbers

Fewer people died from traffic crashes worldwide in 2011 when compared to the previous year, according to the latest report of the International Road Traffic and Accident Database (IRTAD). Transportation experts say that the slower economy has a lot to do with the decreasing numbers over the years. Recently, the high gas prices also have caused individuals drive less, said David Brownstone, professor of economics at UC Irvine. Brownstone, an expert in transportation economics, said an additional contributing factor is that the vehicle fleet gets newer and more secure with more cars having air bags and anti-lock brakes. Here are some numbers and facts: The global annual cost of road traffic accidents is nearly 230 billion dollars. 1.2 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents. Every day, there are 3,300 fatalities and 6,600 serious injuries on the road worldwide. Alcohol intoxication is cause of 15-20% of all traffic accidents.Every tenth hospital bed is occupied by an road traffic accident victim.