After historic lows, traffic deaths in the U.S. are trending up in 2015
After several years of historically safe roads, deaths from car crashes appear to be on the uptick in 2015, according to a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA data from the first six months of the year shows motor vehicle fatalities are up 8.1 percent compared to the same period last year.
In a statement, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx promised the department would “redouble’’ its efforts to boost road safety and called upon all parties, including automakers and local governments, to do the same.
“These numbers are a call to action,’’ said Foxx in a statement. “Everyone with a responsibility for road safety – the federal, State and local governments, law enforcement, vehicle manufacturers, safety advocates and road users – needs to reassess our efforts to combat threats to safety.’’
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The numbers
According to the NHTSA’s Fatal Analysis Reporting System, 32,675 people died in motor vehicle-related crashes nationwide in 2014, a 0.1 percent drop from 2013. Of those fatalities, 21,022 people were inside the vehicles, the lowest number of occupant fatalities since NHTSA first started tracking the data in 1975.
While a final breakdown of 2015 data will not be available until next year, the agency believes the improving economy and lower fuel prices could be behind the recent departure from those low numbers. Not only do these factors put more drivers on the road, but they also contribute to higher rates of leisurely driving and driving by younger, less experienced drivers who are at greater risk of getting into accidents.
Nine out of 10 NHTSA regions experienced increases in motor vehicle fatalities in first half of 2015. New England had one of the lowest increases, with a 1 percent increase in estimated fatalities from 2014. However, this is subject to change as the fatality data from 2014 and 2015 is finalized.
What causes the accidents?
NHTSA recently launched a series of safety initiatives, including the agency’s first effort to address drowsy driving. According to the agency’s report, at least 846 people died in 2014 crashes involving drowsy drivers.
Meanwhile, alcohol, driver distractions, and failing to use seat belts continue to contribute to motor vehicle fatalities. The report found almost half of all occupants killed in passenger vehicle crashes in 2014 were not wearing seat belts.
Drunk driving contributed to 9,967 deaths, about 31 percent of all fatalities. Meanwhile, distracted driving resulted in 3,179 deaths or 10 percent of all fatalities.
In Massachusetts, NHTSA reported there were 328 fatalities in 2014 with 133 deaths (41 percent) related to alcohol-impaired driving.
In a statement, NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind called up on state and local governments to do more to combat drunk and distracted driving behavior.
“Behavioral safety programs are the heart of NHTSA’s safety mission,’’ said Rosekind. “It is time as a nation to reinvigorate the fight against drunk and drugged driving, distraction and other risks that kill thousands every year, and time for State and local governments to reassess whether they are making the right policy choices to improve highway safety.’’
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