1. The number of people killed in motor vehicle crashes declined 2.0 percent to the lowest level in five years.  It was the largest decline since 1992 in terms of number and percentage.

2. The number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes dropped below 2.6 million – a 4.6 percent decline.  It was the seventh year in a row crash injuries declined, and this decline was statistically significant.

3. The motor vehicle fatality and injury rates per 100 million vehicle miles of travel declined to all time lows -- the fatality rate to 1.42 and the injury rate to 86.

4. Overall passenger vehicle occupant fatalities continued to decline. The number of passenger car occupant fatalities dropped for the fourth year in a row.  Light-truck occupant fatalities dropped for the first time since 1992.

5. Motorcycle rider fatalities continued to increase.  This was the 9th year in a row that motorcycle fatalities increased

6. By type of passenger vehicle, occupants killed and injured in passenger vehicles declined for all vehicle types except sport utility vehicles.  Fatalities in SUVs increased by 1.6 percent, but among passenger vehicles, SUVs had the largest increase in registrations

7. Overall, the number of passenger vehicle occupants killed in vehicles that rolled over declined by 1.6 percent.  Vans of all types experienced the largest decline – 24 percent.  However, the number of fatalities in pickup trucks that rolled over increased by 1.6 percent.

8. More than half (55%) of passenger vehicle occupants killed were unrestrained.  This proportion is unchanged from 2005.

9. The number of people killed in all alcohol-related crashes and in crashes where at least one driver, motorcycle operator, or nonoccupant had a blood alcohol concentration equal to or greater than .08 grams per deciliter essentially remained the same.

10. The number of fatalities declined for children of all ages. The largest decline was for 8- to 15-year-olds.

11. The number of young drivers age 16 to 20 involved fatal crashes declined slightly – down 0.3 percent.  However, the number of young drivers killed increased slightly – up by 0.7 percent.

12. In summary, overall there were 868 fewer fatalities in 2006 than in 2005.  Contributing to this decrease were a decline of 1,028 in passenger vehicle occupant fatalities, a decline of 124 in nonoccupant fatalities, and an increase of 234 motorcycle rider fatalities.

To access the 2006 Annual Assessment click here.