Trends in motor vehicle deaths in Wisconsin, 1986-1996: a decade of progress?

Motor vehicle-related injuries are a major cause of death and economic burden in Wisconsin. We examined motor vehicle-related mortality trends in Wisconsin from 1986 to 1996. During this time, overall mortality decreased by 12% and Wisconsin has met its year 2000 goal. However, mortality rates did not improve for women and non-whites. In addition, mortality rates increased in persons over 75 years. There are several explanations that may account for the overall mortality rate decline, but the reasons for the differences between age, racial, and gender groups are unclear.