NHTSA’s 2020 Traffic Crash Data Has Been Released

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about the newly released 2020 Annual Traffic Crash Data. According to the NHTSA, there were 38,824 traffic crash fatalities in 2020. This was the highest number of fatalities we’ve seen on U.S. roadways since 2007. This increase happened even when the estimated number of police-reported crashes decreased by 22 percent, when compared with 2019. Additionally, the estimated number of people injured went down by 17 percent.  

Although the number of crashes and the number of overall traffic crash injuries went down, fatal crashes increased by a substantial 6.8 percent. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased 1.34, a 21 percent increase from 2019. All this happened while total vehicle miles traveled decreased by 11 percent in 2020, which was an impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. There were fewer cars on the road, but more fatal crashes.  

Risky Driving Behaviors Increased in 2020 

As many projections have been showing, risky driving behaviors increased in 2020. According to the NHTSA, in 45 percent of fatal crashes, the drivers of passenger vehicles were engaged in at least one type of risky behavior. Driving behaviors considered risky include speeding, alcohol impairment and not buckling up.  

The NHTSA considers this increase in fatal crashes a nationwide crisis. Roadway safety advocates are hoping that the resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and new policies from the National Roadway Safety Strategy will help to improve safety for motorists and other types of roadway users across the nation.  

U.S. DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy  

The U.S. DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which was just released in January, is aimed at addressing the recent and disturbing increase in traffic fatalities. The program includes strategies for building multiple layers of protection with safer roads, safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds and better post-crash care.  

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.