Traffic fatalities in the state of New York are on the decline based on the latest statistics.

The number of serious injuries in motor vehicle crashes dropped to 12,900 in 2008 exceeding the goal that was set for 2010; in 2009, however, the number of serious injuries increased to 12,988 continuing the up and down pattern that occurred over the previous four years.



For three of the outcome measures the total, urban and rural fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), 2009 FARS data were not yet available. Based on 2008 data, the goals set for these three measures have also been achieved. The overall fatality rate decreased from 0.97 in 2007 to 0.92 in 2008, two years ahead of the target date of December 31, 2010. Declines in both the urban and the rural fatality rates contributed to reaching this goal; the rural fatality rate dropped to 1.88 in 2008 and the urban fatality rate dropped to 0.61, both below the goals set for the end of calendar year 2010.



The final core outcome measure in this section relates to the involvement of young drivers in fatal crashes. While the number of drivers under age 21 involved in fatal crashes decreased from 182 to 176 (3%) between 2008 and 2009, the goal of an 8 percent reduction by December 31, 2010 has not yet been met.



In FFY 2010, New York State continued its aggressive approach to combating impaired driving through a number of important initiatives. One of the major actions was the passage of "Leandra’s Law" named for a young girl killed in a crash while riding in a car driven by a friend’s mother who was intoxicated and speeding. Effective December 18, 2009, persons driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs with a child younger than age 16 in their vehicle can be charged with a Class E felony punishable by up to four years in prison; the punishment is more severe if the impaired driver causes serious injury or the death of a child.



There are many definitions for an accident, but it is basically defined as an unforeseen or unexpected event caused by either negligence or circumstances. The top 10 accidents in order of occurrence are motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisoning by solids and liquids, drowning, fire and burns, suffocation, firearms, poisoning by gases, medical and surgical complications and machinery.



Regardless the cause of personal injury it ranks as one of the leading causes of family and personal stress. As these injuries occur the victims seek ways to cope with life-upsetting events, from injury and mental anguish to added financial burden. This is where Personal Injury Attorney New York firms come into the picture. An injury can cause you to lose your income, be unable to perform what once were considered simple, routine tasks.