- EXCERPTS from NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Press Release
- Albany, October 3, 1996

Despite a two billion mile increase in motor vehicle travel last year, New York State suffered only one more traffic fatality in 1995 than in 1994, according to Motor Vehicles Commissioner Richard E. Jackson, Jr. As a result, the state's fatality rate decreased to 1.45 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared with a rate of 1.48 deaths per 100 million miles in 1994. "The 1995 figure is the lowest highway death rate ever recorded in the state, and it is the eighth straight year in which the rate has decreased from the year before," Jackson said.

Commissioner Jackson provided the following details from the DMV's final report on 1995 motor vehicle crashes:

• Non-fatal crash injuries decreased slightly last year, with a total of 287,074 persons injured, compared with 289,375 hurt in crashes during 1994 (a decrease of 2,301).
• Deaths among automobile passengers declined to 365 in 1995 compared with 397 the prior year (a decrease of 32). However, among other highway users, deaths increased slightly along with the increased vehicle travel. Motor vehicle driver deaths increased to 819 last year compared with 815 in 1994; pedestrian deaths rose to 428 compared with 408; and the number of bicyclists who died increased to 51 from 47.
• Alcohol-related highway deaths increased significantly last year compared with 1994, but Commissioner Jackson noted that there still appears to be a long-term trend toward lower alcohol-related fatalities. There were 448 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 1995 compared with 405 in 1994, but the average number of alcohol-related deaths during 1991-1993 was 532. "If the relatively low number of alcohol-related deaths in 1994 is viewed as a fortunate anomaly," Commissioner Jackson said, "then alcohol-related deaths are continuing to decrease over the long-term."

Commissioner Jackson cited several other measures recently taken to further improve highway safety:

• Governor Pataki this year signed a series of laws which, among other things:
  • makes it a felony to drive a school bus under the influence of alcohol;
  • increases the civil penalty for refusing a blood alcohol test;
  • increases penalties for vehicular manslaughter when the driver's license is suspended or revoked for an alcohol or drug-related violation;
  • helps ensure the safety of vehicle air bags and deter their theft;
  • increases fines for passing a stopped school bus and going around railroad crossing gates;
  • prohibits laser detectors in certain vehicles;
  • requires seat belt use for the first time in tractors and trucks over 18,000 pounds.
• The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), which is chaired by Commissioner Jackson, in cooperation with the New York State Broadcaster's Association, will soon release new radio and TV public service announcements on the proper use of child safety seats, the consequences of drinking and driving and the dangers of driving while drowsy as part of a campaign called "The Choice is Yours, New York."
• The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently implemented a computerized "pointer system" to help identify commercial drivers who have had licenses suspended or revoked in other states, and earlier this year implemented a program to certify escort drivers who accompany large or oversized vehicles.