Massachusetts - Fatal Car Crash Statistics
Although Massachusetts is one of the smaller states in size, it has a relatively large population. In 2015, the population was 6,794,422. There were 291 fatal accidents in 2015 with a total of 306 deaths. This number represents 4.5 deaths for every 100,000 people. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) publishes an annual report based on fatal crash information gathered through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
In 2015 Massachusetts had the lowest fatalities per 100 million miles at just 0.52. The national average for that year was 1.13. The state had a high proportion of car occupant deaths, at 41%, comparatively. There were also a relatively large number of pedestrian fatalities at 24%. Almost half those killed, 270, died in single-vehicle crashes and 116 died as the result of multiple-vehicle accidents.
Comparisons with Other Years
One of the most important aspects of data is the ability to compare it from year to year. This provides you with a better picture of overall trends. In some cases, fatalities may fluctuate, so it is ideal to be able to view at least several years of data. The Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Security provides crash statistics for several years ranging from 2012 through 2014.
There were 383 fatalities in 2012, 351 in 2013, and 354 in 2014. The trend shows that highway deaths have generally been on the decline for the last several years. At the same time, the number of fatal accidents declined as well - in 2012, 365, in 2013, 334, and in 2014, 336.
Motorcycle deaths have been trending downward. In 2012, 56 motorcyclists died while in 2015 just 46 were killed on the roads. Speed continues to be a contributing factor in accidents where someone dies. Although the total number of speed-related deaths has decreased, the number shows that there is still some work to be done to make roads safer.
Massachusetts Traffic Safety Initiatives
Massachusetts has various programs in place to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the roads. Some of the programs they have include Statewide Impaired Driving Task Forces and has a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The plan provides a clear goal to reduce deaths in traffic accidents. Since the plan was first put in place in 2006, there has been a steady decline in fatalities.
In addition, there are some state or community laws in place to improve highway safety. The state has a “Move Over” law in place to improve road safety. The law requires vehicles to move to another lane and slow their speed when they see a public safety vehicle with its lights flashing. Moving out of the way can prevent serious injuries or fatalities from happening. Texting has been banned from use by drivers while behind the wheel to reduce distracted driving crashes.