Drug-Related Deaths Now Outnumber Traffic Fatalities

More Americans die from drug overdoses

For the first time, drug-related deaths now outnumber those from traffic accidents, a new analysis reveals.

In 2009, drugs were responsible for the deaths of more than 37,485 people according to preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The increase in drug deaths comes from the abuse of prescription pain and anxiety drugs. Among the most commonly abused are OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax  and Soma.

"People feel they are safer with prescription drugs because you get them from a pharmacy and they are prescribed by a doctor," said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Opferman. "Younger people believe they are safer because they see their parents taking them. It doesn't have the same stigma as using street narcotics."

Investing in auto safety has saved many lives. What do you think is the best way to face this new issue?