Most Transportation Categories Show A Lower Number Of Fatal Injuries, Rail The Exception

Transportation fatalities in the United States decreased by 3 percent in 2013 from 2012, according to preliminary figures released Monday by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The number of aviation fatalities was down, along with marine, highway, and pipeline transportation. Fatalities in all modes of transportation totaled 34,678 in 2013, compared with 35,796 in 2012. There was a rise in rail deaths, the board said.

Aviation fatalities decreased from 451 to 443. Nearly 87 percent of aviation fatalities occurred in general aviation accidents (387), a decrease from the previous year (440). In 2013, air taxi fatalities increased significantly from nine in 2012 to 27.

"While this decrease represents a good trend, much more work needs to done, because 35,000 deaths is very troubling," said NTSB Acting Chairman Hart (pictured). "NTSB continues to address safety issues in all modes to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads, rails and waterways, as well as in our skies."

Aviation statistics are tracked and compiled by the NTSB. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides marine statistics, and the U.S. Department of Transportation provides statistics for all other modes.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov