Roadway deaths slightly taper following 2-year spike
The NHTSA reported the fatality rate for 2022’s first nine months fell to 1.3 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Through the first nine months of 2022, traffic fatalities declined around 0.2% compared with the same period the year prior, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reported 31,785 people died in traffic crashes.
During the period reviewed, fatalities decreased in 24 states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico. Roadway deaths increased in 25 states and remained unchanged year-on-year in one, according to the NHTSA.
“Fatalities have not increased for two quarters now, but we have far more work to do to save lives and address the crisis on our nation’s roadways. That means investing in safety, implementing strategies that work and embracing the safe system approach outlined in the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy. We urge everyone to do their part by driving safely and watching out for others on the road, especially vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists,” NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a release.
The drop in roadway deaths came despite Americans driving more miles, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Total miles traveled increased 1.6%, or about 39 billion miles.
The NHTSA reported the fatality rate for 2022’s first nine months fell to 1.3 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 1.32 during the same period in 2021.
Comparing the first half of 2021 with the same period in 2022, NHTSA found that fatalities decreased:
- 10% in children younger than 16.
- 9% in vehicle rollover crashes.
- 8% in people ages 16-24.
- 2% in speeding-related crashes.
However, when comparing the same periods there was a 12% increase in fatalities on rural interstates, 10% increase in accident deaths involving at least one large truck and 5% increase among motorcyclists.
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