NHTSA: Traffic Fatalities Drop in First Three Months of Year

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about the first quarter projections regarding roadway fatalities in the U.S. According to the NHTSA, estimates show that traffic fatalities dropped in the first three months of 2023. Fatalities appear to have declined even with an increase in miles driven. The fatality rate has dropped when compared with last year’s numbers.  

Early estimates show that approximately 9,330 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of 2023. This is a decrease of about 3.3 percent when compared with the 9,645 estimated traffic deaths that happened in the first three months of 2022. This represents a fourth straight quarterly decline in fatalities after seven consecutive quarters of year-to-year increases in fatalities that started in the third quarter of 2020.   

Roadway Fatalities Decreasing as Driving Increases  

It appears that the pandemic spike in traffic deaths is finally slowing down. The projected data shows not only a decrease in roadway fatalities. It also shows an increase in vehicle miles driven. There is a projected 2.6 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled. The estimated fatality rate for the first quarter of 2023 decreased to 1.24 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, which is down from the projected 1.32 during the first quarter of 2022.  

Additional data shows that fatalities decreased in 32 states and increased in 18 states and Puerto Rico when compared with last year’s numbers. The District of Columbia’s numbers didn’t change.  

Car Accidents in San Diego  

After any kind of car accident, it’s important to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries. A lawyer can keep you abreast of any investigative developments and fight to get you the compensation you deserve after an injury accident.  

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.