U.S Traffic Fatalities in 2021, the Highest in 16 Years!

Sponsored by: The Law Office of David E. Gordon

The number of traffic fatalities in the United States is overwhelming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 42, 915 people accounted for road accidents in 2021. The number represents a 10.5 percent increase over the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.

“The rate of road deaths last year is the highest annual percentage increase in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) history,” says David E. Gordon. Behind these traffic fatality statistics is an end of life and families left behind. Thus, the introduction of initiatives like the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), a road map for tackling the national traffic fatalities and injuries.

NHTSA Statistics on Traffic Fatalities in 2021 Compared to 2020

According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rate of traffic deaths climbed in almost all types of accidents in 2021. Early estimates from the federal agency indicated a significant rise in road fatalities in 2021 compared to 2020 in the categories below:

1. Deaths in collisions involving at least one big truck (up 13 percent)
2. Accident rates during out-of-state travel increased by 15 percent compared to 2020, with many occurring on rural interstates or access roads off city highways.
3. Fatalities in daytime crashes (up 11 percent)
4. Fatalities on urban roads (up 16 percent)
5. Fatalities in multi-vehicle accidents (up 16 percent)
6. Pedestrian deaths (up 13 percent)
7. Deaths among drivers aged 65 and above (up 14 percent)
8. Motorcyclists deaths (up 9 percent )
9. Deaths of bicyclists (up 5 percent)
10. Fatalities in speeding-related crashes (up 5 percent)
11. Deaths in alcohol-related crashes reported by police (up 5 percent )

Factors Contributing to the Increase in Traffic Fatalities

Unsafe driving behaviors continued as people began to travel more in 2021 for out-of-state and other road trips. Exceeding speed limits and less frequent use of seat belts were among the notable reckless driving behaviors. As a result, this worsens the rate of road accidents, thus increasing traffic fatalities.

According to reports, nearly 118 people were involved in traffic fatalities in the United States every day in 2021. The fatality rate was also due to risky driving behaviors, such as distracted driving and driving while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.

Another contributing factor to the increased traffic fatality rate is the roads designed for speed rather than safety. Furthermore, preliminary data by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) show that United States drivers drove 325 billion more miles last year. The rate was 11.2 percent more than in 2020 and is also a factor that contributed to the increase in traffic fatalities.

Strategies to Reverse the Trend of Increased Traffic Fatalities

There are measures and initiatives by the Federal government through its transportation agencies to help reverse the rising trend of traffic fatalities. The following are some of these measures and initiatives:

The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS)

This year, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled the NRSS to help reverse the devastating trend and save lives on the roads. The NRSS integrates efforts from the three road safety agencies of the department. The agencies include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The first-ever National Roadway Safety Strategy will serve as a road map for tackling the alarming increase in traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It will follow the Vision Zero or safe system approach to road safety. The Safe System Approach includes:

1. Death and serious injuries are unacceptable 
2. Humans make mistakes
3. Humans are vulnerable
4. Responsibility is shared 
5. Safety is proactive 
6. Redundancy is crucial

NRSS aims to end all road deaths and serious injuries by creating multiple layers of protection. The layers include safer roads, safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and better post-crash care. The goal of these layers is that if one fails, the others will act as a safety net, reducing the severity of an accident. 

The Key Actions Highlighted by the National Roadway Safety Strategy for USDOT to Take

The NRSS understands that minimizing road deaths will require prolonged and coordinated action from all sectors and levels of government. Some of the Key Actions that NRSS outlines for the Department of Transportation (USDOT) to take are the following:

1. Collaborate with local and state road owners to construct and maintain safer roads by modernizing federal rules for street design. It includes updating The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD defines speed limits, lane markings, traffic lights, and other safety measures on most roads in America. It is also a complete Streets Initiative to provide communities of all sizes with technical assistance.
2. Use of technology to improve motor safety on the roads, rulemaking on automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian automatic emergency braking. It also involves updates on the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rating system. 
3. To invest in road safety through funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that includes a new $6 billion Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Also, hundreds of millions of dollars are set aside for behavioral research and interventions. There is also $4 billion in additional funding for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).

The National Roadway Safety Strategy also recommends speed cameras to tackle the issue of speed. The Department of Transportation claims it would be more fair and equal than police traffic stops.

Other Strategies to Reverse the Trend of Increased Traffic Fatalities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires automakers to install systems that warn rear-seat passengers. The system will warn passengers if they do not buckle their seat belts. Other measures that could also help to put an end to the deadly trend are:

1. Improving Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) performance standards 
2. Requiring all new vehicles to have certain crash-avoidance technologies
3. Upgrading adaptive beam headlights, bumpers, and hoods

Conclusion

Because most road disasters are avoidable, there is a better chance of reversing the trend. Redoubling safety efforts to prevent road crashes is achievable with the combined efforts of everyone, including drivers, state and local governments, safety advocates, and automakers. Everyone deserves to go out and return home safely.

Have a tip we should know? tips@mediaite.com