What is the U.S. traffic fatality rate?
In 2000, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel fell to an historic low of 1.5. In 1990, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 2.1.

How many people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2000?
In the estimated 6,394,000 police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes during 2000, 41,821 people were killed -- an increase of 0.2 percent over 1999. 3,189,000 people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes and 4,286,000 crashes involved property damage alone. An average of 115 people died each day in motor vehicle crashes in 2000 -- one every 13 minutes.

How many lives were saved in 2000 by the use of seat belts?
NHTSA estimates that 11,889 lives were saved in the year 2000 by the use of safety belts. An estimated 316 children under the age of 5 were saved as a result of the use of child restraints.