The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has released its annual Long Distance and Freight study. This study looks at the various modes of transportation, the state of the transportation system, transportation and the economy and transportation safety.

According to the study, 6,842,000 motor vehicle accidents occurred without fatalities or body injuries in the United States in 1996. According to the Polk Co., 198,293,459 vehicles were in use during this period. With these figures, one can assume that 1 in 28 vehicles will be involved in an accident.

This could be a valuable piece of information when determining an area to establish a new collision repair facility. By determining the number of registered vehicles within a specified area, a shop owner can estimate his or her working potential.

Societal economic losses from motor vehicle crashes are estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to exceed $150 billion annually. This figure incorporates the affects of loss of life and time lost by accidents involving bodily harm.

Fatalities involving passenger car occupants accounted for slightly more than 50 percent (22,416) of all transportation fatalities in 1996, and almost 10,000 light truck occupants were recorded as fatalities. These numbers show a slight decrease compared to 1995.

One of the major factors contributing to drivers in fatal crashes is the failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road. This factor is followed closely by driving too fast for conditions, failure to yield right-of-way, inattentive (talking, eating, etc.) and the failure to obey traffic signs, signals or officer.

Mending accidents, solving problems and returning once-damaged vehicles to owners are satisfying elements of collision repair. Another satisfying task is providing customers with safety reminders that help prevent of crash fatalities.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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