A preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council shows motor vehicle fatalities in the United States remain at a high level, as an estimated 44,450 people died in traffic crashes in 2023. While it marks a 4% decline from 2022, compared to pre-pandemic 2019, it’s a 13.6% uptick, further demonstrating the seriousness of this public […]
NHTSA Estimates for 2022 Roadway Fatalities Flat After Two Years of Dramatic Increases
There were more miles driven and lower fatality rates compared to 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2022, estimating that 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This represents a small decrease of about 0.3% as compared to 42,939 fatalities reported for 2021. […]
NHTSA Launches Annual Distracted Driving Campaign in Wake of Increased Fatalities
Distraction-related fatalities increased 12% from 3,154 in 2020 to 3,522 in 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is kicking off its annual U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, raising awareness of the dangers of driving while distracted. Together with Captain Ron Mead of the Washington State Patrol, Steve Kiefer of the Kiefer Foundation, […]
Dangerous Driving Behaviors Rising
AAA Foundation reports that after years of improvement, new research shows a troubling increase in admitted risky driving. A new report finds unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving impaired on cannabis or alcohol, rose from 2020 to 2021. The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the […]
NHTSA Early Estimates Show Overall Increase in Roadway Deaths in First Half of 2022
Second quarter projected to have first decline since 2020. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its early estimates of traffic fatalities for the first half of 2022. An estimated 20,175 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, an increase of about 0.5% as compared to 20,070 fatalities NHTSA projected for the first half of […]
GHSA Study Finds Rural Roads Are Disproportionately Deadly
In-depth report examines who dies in rural road crashes, why and offers nearly three dozen safety recommendations for states. Rural roads are beautiful, but they’re hiding a deadly secret – nearly half of all fatal crashes occur on them, even though only 19% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas. A new report from […]
Insurance Association Says Record Rise in Traffic Fatalities Underscores Need for Enhanced Auto Safety Initiatives
American Property Casualty Insurance Association’s (APCIA) says that the early crash fatality estimates released last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforces the need for roadway and driver safety investment. The NHTSA report estimated that 9,560 people died in traffic crashes during the first quarter of 2022, which is a 7% increase […]
NHTSA Early Estimates Show Record Increase in Traffic Fatalities Nationwide During First Quarter
Traffic fatalities projected at highest level in 20 years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) on August 17 released its early estimates of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2022. NHTSA estimates that 9,560 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the first quarter of 2022. This is an increase of about […]
IIHS Researchers Find Crash Rates Increased After Marijuana Legalization
Accidents that caused injuries and fatalities were up overall, though results varied widely by state as some saw decreases. New research shows that crash rates in states that legalized marijuana increased following legalization. The research paper Changes in Traffic Crash Rates After Legalization of Marijuana: Results by Crash Severity by Charles M. Farmer , Ph.D., […]
Traffic Fatalities Estimated to Reach 16-Year High in 2021
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released its early estimate of traffic fatalities for 2021. NHTSA projects that an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020. The projection is the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the largest annual percentage increase […]