Highway Safety Fact Sheet:

How Road and Bridge Improvements Save Lives

February 2005

Approximately 43,000 people are killed, and 3.5 million injured, in highway crashes each year in the United States. Highway crashes are the leading cause of death of people six to 28 years of age and are the cause of more permanent impairments than any other type of accident. Highway fatalities nationwide have increased by 10 percent since 1992.

Statistics show that increased investment in road and bridge improvements saves lives. Making road lanes and shoulders wider, adding medians and improving bridges are just a few of the improvements that have been shown to significantly reduce fatalities. Highway safety information on this fact sheet is based on data obtained by The Road Information Program from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

• Every $100 million invested in highway safety improvements will result in approximately 145 fewer traffic fatalities over a 10-year period.

• Approximately 500 people are killed annually in crashes at rail-highway crossings.

• Approximately 12,000 people are killed annually in traffic crashes involving collisions with a fixed object such as a tree, light or support pole, guardrail, utility pole or curb.

The following are key road and bridge improvements and corresponding fatality rate reductions as evaluated over a 20-year period by FHWA.