Americans are dying in greater numbers as a result of drug overdoses and traffic accidents, according to new federal and non-governmental statistics.

For the 11th year in a row, drug overdose deaths increased in 2010, the latest year that data was made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There were 38,329 drug overdose deaths nationwide, with medications and prescription drugs involved in nearly 60% of cases. Most of the fatalities involved addictive painkillers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, which contributed to 75% of medication overdose deaths.

Meanwhile, traffic fatalities went up in 2012 for the first time in seven years.

Approximately 36,200 people died in motor vehicle accidents last year, according to the National Safety Council, compared to 34,600 deaths in 2011. It marked the first increase since 2004 to 2005.

The increase was attributed to Americans driving more because of the improved economy and a mild winter last year.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Drug Overdose Deaths up for 11th Consecutive Year (by Lindsey Tanner and Mike Stobbe, Associated Press)

NSC Motor Vehicle Fatality Estimates (National Safety Council) (pdf)

Safety Council: Traffic deaths surged in 2012 (by Joan Lowry, Associated Press)