According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “a passenger vehicle is a motor vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds; the category includes passenger cars and light trucks (pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, and other light trucks).”
Over 90 percent of registered vehicles are passenger vehicles in the United States. Here are some additional statistics on passenger vehicles in 2012:
- Of the 9,754,000 vehicles involved in police-reported traffic crashes, 96 percent were passenger vehicles.
- Of the 45,586 fatal crashes, 35,346 were passenger vehicles.
- 21,667 passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives.
- 2.09 million passenger vehicle occupants were injured.
Have Fatality Rates for Passenger Vehicles Increased or Decreased?
Between 2003 and 2010, the fatality rate for all types of passenger vehicles declined. In fact, SUVs showed the greatest improvement in this area. Unfortunately, fatality rates slightly increased for passenger cars, vans and pickups.
What Is the Rate of Seatbelt Use in 2012?
The National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) gave the proportion of seatbelt use for passenger vehicles in 2012:
- 86 percent for passenger vehicles;
- 87 percent for passenger cars;
- 89 percent for vans and SUVs;
- 77 percent for pickup trucks.
Interestingly, of the 21,667 passenger vehicle deaths, 61 percent occurred in rural areas. Moreover, 54 percent of these occupants were not wearing a seatbelt.
Sadly, there are many unsafe drivers on our roads, and the best defense against them is to wear a seatbelt.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, contact an experienced law firm to get you compensation for your injuries.