In the course of time , the technology infused in modern cars continues to become more and more revolutionary. The safety features continue evolving and becoming more effective.
However, despite such growth, the effect on US roads is still minimal, with accidents steadily rising. According to new data released by the NHTSA, during the first quarter of 2022, traffic deaths increased by 7 percent, representing the largest quarterly increase in two decades.
Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian deaths due to road accidents are a major concern in the US. Data shows that such fatalities have steadily increased over the past few years. In the event that you or a relative should get injured or a fatality from a
According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths from road accidents surged by 4.8 percent in 2020. In 2022, these figures rose even further, with 7485 deaths recorded, the largest rise in a single year in more than 40 years.
Speeding and Teenagers
Speeding has long been one of the most dangerous menaces on US roads. It has caused thousands of deaths of pedestrians, drivers, and other road users.
Moreover, data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has shown a link between speeding and teen drivers aged between 15 and 18 in the US. From this report, 15,510 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were involved in fatal crashes between 2015 and 2019.
One-third of this figure was accidents where speeding was involved. What’s more, teenagers accounted for 43% of road crashes involving speeding. Consequently, this agency released a series of recommendations to parents on how to curb dangerous driving behaviors among teenagers.
The multi-state agency released this information in early July and included information from all US states. The trends showed an overall increase in traffic fatalities in at least 29 states.
This trend is alarming and quite ironic, given the numerous efforts from multiple institutions to make US roads safer for all users. With manufacturers adding more safety features to vehicles, traffic deaths have steadily increased over the past few years.
To put this in perspective, there were 33,244 deaths in 2019 and 38,824 in 2020. And 42,915 in 2021, showing a significant increase each year. However, the highest spike was observed in 2022.
During the first quarter, there were 9,560 deaths involving vehicle accidents across the US. This represents a 7 percent increase from the same period last year. With this trend in mind, experts estimate that 2022 is well on the way to setting another consecutive record in traffic deaths.
States with the largest increases
The report did not immediately identify the causes behind the increased deaths. However, it noted states with significant increases. They include Delaware with an alarming 163.2 percent increase, The District of Columbia with a 62.5 percent increase, New York with a 37.6 percent increase, and North Carolina with a 51.2 percent increase.
These trends have become a major concern for the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB). In 2018, this agency released a series of recommendations to curb the ever-rising rates of traffic deaths in the US. “In the event that you or a relative should get injured or a fatality from a road accident, you need competent representation to help you get what you may be entitled to” says attorney Russell J. Berkowitz” of Berkowitz Hanna.
The Takeaway
Despite the major efforts by multiple state agencies to curb the ever-rising rates of road accidents in the US, the numbers are still rising.
Speeding teenagers are one of the most significant causes, as verified by data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Fortunately, we can all take part in reducing these numbers.
As motorists , you need to observe road discipline and obey traffic rules. Avoid overspeeding, maintain lane discipline, and most importantly, never get behind the wheel when intoxicated.
