NHTSA on Rising Traffic Fatality Rates in 2021

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about the rise in traffic fatalities that happened in the first nine months of 2021. This information comes from an analysis of an early estimate of traffic fatalities for the first three quarters of last year, and the findings are concerning.   

The data projects that an estimated 31,720 people died in car crashes between January and September of 2021. This is a roughly 12 percent increase from the projected 28,325 lives lost during the first nine months of 2020. According to the NHTSA, this is the highest number of fatalities during the first three quarters of any year since 2006. Furthermore, it is also the highest percentage increase during the first nine months in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history.   

National Roadway Safety Strategy  

This data is being released just after the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) released their upcoming National Roadway Safety Strategy plan, which aims to address the national crisis of rising roadway injuries and fatalities. The plan will be focused on helping to create a cultural shift in the way roadway safety is approached in this country. Additionally, it will also include a collaborative approach to increasing safety for roadway users across the nation.  

At this time, there has yet to be a full explanation on why we’re seeing this dramatic rise in fatal crashes. We do know that drivers are continuing to drive distracted, get behind the wheel after drinking and engage in other completely preventable motor vehicle crash risk behaviors.  

Preventable Car Accidents in Southern California 

Anytime you decide to speed, drive distracted, drive while drunk or high or engage in any other type of dangerous behavior behind the wheel, you’re putting your life and the lives of other motorists at great risk. Make a commitment to safe and distraction-free driving to help improve roadway safety in your community.   

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.