A new report from the Centers for Disease Control shows that the costs of deaths from motor vehicle crashes in Alaska was $74 million in 2005 (is that really the most recent data?). Only half a million of that was in medical costs, the rest in work loss costs.
Nationally motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children, teens and young adults. Costs broken out by type of road user:
- Motor vehicle occupants: 29%
- Motorcyclists: 3%
- Bicyclists: 5%
- Pedestrians: 15%
- Unspecified/other: 48%
The CDC recommends two evidence-based strategies: a comprehensive graduated drivers license and a motorcycle helmet law. Looking at the three other states in our region, on a per-capita basis Alaska's costs were equal to Washington and lower than Idaho and Oregon.
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