Last year, almost 200 people were killed on the region's highways. That's a lot, but it's way down from previous years, largely because people drove less due to the recession and gas prices, according to new data. At least one driver had been drinking alcohol in 85 of the wrecks; pedestrians or cyclists were killed in 42; and cell phone use was a factor in five wrecks.
This map shows the location, time and causes of every fatal wreck in the six county region during 2008. Click an icon for wreck details. Use the zoom tool in the top left to target an area. Click and drag on the map to pan to different places.
View Sacramento fatal accidents in a larger map
By the numbers:
Fatal wrecks in six county region, 2008: 184
Number killed: 198
Wrecks where alcohol was involved: 85
Wrecks involving teen drivers: 21
Number of youths (20 and under) killed: 29
Wrecks involving big rigs: 10
Wrecks involving motorcycles: 38
Fatal hit-and-run accidents: 15
Source: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System
Notes: Includes accidents involving cars and pedestrians/bicycles. The NHTSA defines any accident where officers suspected the driver, cyclist or pedestrian had any alcohol to drink as "alcohol-related."
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
• Read more articles by Phillip Reese
Order Reprint