Traffic deaths in the United States have hit a 16-year high, with distraction, speeding, and alcohol being major contributing factors. In 2021, there were nearly 43,000 deaths due to traffic crashes in the US, with deaths caused by impaired or distracted driving and speeding on the rise.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its 2021 final numbers, confirming a 10.5% increase in deaths from the previous year. This is the highest number in nearly 20 years and the largest increase since in nearly 50 years.
There was a 12% rise in fatal crashes involving distracted drivers, with more than 3500 people dying in car crashes. In response, the agency has launched a $5 million advertising campaign to encourage drivers to stay focused on the road. However, officials suggest that such cases are likely to be underreported by the police.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe number of pedestrian fatalities rose by 13%, while cyclist fatalities increased by 2%. Unbelted passenger deaths rose by 8.1%, and fatalities involving alcohol-impaired driving increased by 14%. Speeding-related deaths increased by nearly 8%, and fatalities involving large trucks rose by almost 20%.
At a news conference, NHTSA officials emphasized distracted driving fatalities, which they say are entirely preventable if people avoid using their phones or doing other things that divert their attention from the road.
