Ten states account for half of all fatal vehicle crash costs: report

Washington – Motor vehicle crash fatalities in the United States resulted in an estimated $41 billion in medical and work loss costs in 2005, indicates a report released May 11 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to a press release, findings show costs related to crash deaths among children and teens from birth to 19 years old were estimated at approximately $856 million in 2005.

The top 10 states (accounting for half of all costs) with the highest medical and work loss costs were:

• California, $4.16 billion
• Texas, $3.50 billion
• Florida, $3.16 billion
• Georgia, $1.55 billion
• Pennsylvania, $1.52 billion
• North Carolina, $1.50 billion
• New York, $1.33 billion
• Illinois, $1.32 billion
• Ohio, $1.23 billion
• Tennessee, $1.15 billion

CDC also released fact sheets highlighting state-based costs of crash deaths. Researchers recommended states consider passing primary safety belt laws, strong child passenger safety policies, comprehensive graduated driver licensing systems, and universal motorcycle helmet laws.