NHTSA: Traffic Fatalities Reached 16 Year High in 2021

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about the disturbingly high numbers of traffic fatalities on U.S. roadways last year. According to the NHTSA, newly released estimates show traffic fatalities reached a 16-year high in 2021.   

Current projection data shows that an estimated 42,915 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways in 2021. That’s a 10.5 percent increase from the 38,824 traffic crash fatalities that occurred in 2020. The 2021 projection is the highest number of roadway fatalities since 2005, and it’s the largest annual percentage increase in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s (FARS) history. 

National Roadway Safety Strategy   

In response to this record-high number of crash fatalities, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has unveiled their National Roadway Safety Strategy that is being funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Funding will go toward improving roadway safety and includes a new Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which invests up to $6 billion over five years to fund local efforts to reduce roadway crashes and fatalities.  

Additionally, there will also be funding for Complete Streets policies and standards, which requires updates to manual and uniform traffic control devices. Finally, there will be an increase in funding for the Highway Safety Improvement Program, which helps states adopt data-driven approaches to increasing roadway safety.   

Car Accidents in Southern California 

After any kind of car accident caused by a dangerous, negligent or distracted driver, it’s a good idea 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 stay on top of any investigative details, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.  

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.