U.S. Traffic Deaths Hit 2005 Levels, Safety Advocates Demand Action
Traffic deaths in the U.S. remain alarmingly high. In 2021, a total of 42,915 people lost their lives on the roads, the highest annual figure since 2005. Safety advocates urge stricter regulations, better enforcement, and infrastructure improvements to protect all road users.
The situation has worsened over the years. Pedestrian and cyclist deaths in 2021 reached levels not seen in four decades. Risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving, escalated during the pandemic due to emptier roads and a perceived lower risk of enforcement. In the first half of 2024, there were 18,720 fatalities, a 3.2% decrease from 2023 but still a troubling figure.
Jennifer Homendy, Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), criticized the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2023. She called for stronger vehicle safety standards, improved traffic incident management, and swift action on NTSB recommendations. These include performance standards for collision avoidance technology and requirements for driver monitoring systems in commercial vehicles.
The U.S. has the highest traffic death rate among developed nations. Vehicle accident fatalities have been at an all-time high since the COVID pandemic began. In comparison, 2019 had 17,000 fatalities during the same period. Urgent action is needed to reverse this trend and make roads safer for all users.
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