Car crash fatalities may be declining after rising for the past few years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Based on their latest projections, the NHTSA says that 31,785 people are expected to have died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022. Compared to the 31,850 estimated fatalities during the same period in 2021, this figure represents a 0.2% decrease.
“Fatalities have not increased for two quarters now, but we have far more work to do to save lives and address the crisis on our nation’s roadways, NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said. “That means investing in safety, implementing strategies that work, and embracing the safe system approach outlined in the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy. We urge everyone to do their part by driving safely and watching out for others on the road, especially vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists,”
Approximately 25 states have increased fatalities in the first three quarters of 2022, one state has remained the same, and 24 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have decreased fatalities in the first three quarters of 2022. There was also a new report released by NHTSA titled “Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rates by Subcategories Through June 20” The report shows that there has been an increase in motor vehicle traffic fatalities while there has also been a decrease in deaths.
Car Crash Statistics
According to the new report, as compared to the first half of 2021, fatalities decreased:
- 10% in children younger than 16
- 10% on urban collector and local roads
- 9% in vehicle rollover crashes
- 8% in people ages 16 to 24
- 7% in crashes involving passengers ejected from a vehicle
- 7% in unbelted people in passenger vehicles
- 2% in speeding-related crashes
As compared to the first half of 2021, fatalities increased:
- 12% on rural interstates
- 10% in crashes involving at least one large truck
- 8% among cyclists
- 5% among motorcyclists
- 2% among pedestrians
Car crash fatalities in Florida are down nearly 21% in the period studied, according to the NHTSA state breakdown. There were 2,796 car crash fatalities in Florida in the first nine months of 2021, compared to 2,762 in the same period of 2022.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, talk to an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 866-730-3508 for a free consultation. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
