2020 Traffic Fatalities Highest Since 2007
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released preliminary estimates of 2020 traffic fatalities on June 3, 2021. The deaths include vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Despite the fact that Americans were driving less during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the preliminary data includes the highest number of projected fatalities since 2007 at 38,680. That number represents a more than 7% increase from 2019’s reported fatalities.
Driving Decreased While Deaths Increased
At the same time, preliminary estimates from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) show that the 2020 vehicle miles traveled (VMT) were reduced by around 430 billion miles, representing an approximate 13% percent decrease from 2019.
Analysis by NHTSA reveals that the primary behaviors that led to the increase in fatal incidents were speeding, impaired driving, and failure to fasten a seat belt.
Analysis Continues in Order to Identify Risks
NHTSA’s projections illustrate notable increases in fatalities during 2020’s third and fourth quarters compared to the same time periods in 2019. The agency plans to continue to analyze several sources of data in hopes of understanding how risks to vulnerable travelers may have shifted last year and the factors that contributed to the increase in fatal incidents.
The preliminary report reveals that traffic fatalities increased in the majority of the primary categories compared to 2019:
- Pedestrian fatalities were roughly equal to those in 2019.
- Deaths of motor vehicle occupants increased by five percent.
- Deaths of bicyclists increased by five percent.
- Deaths of motorcyclists increased by nine percent.
With regard to demographics and crash factors, the following was revealed:
- Vehicle occupant ejection increased by 20%.
- Deaths of non-Hispanic Black people increased by 23%.
- Crashes that occurred on urban interstates increased by 15%.
- Speed-related crashes increased by 11%.
- Deaths of unrestrained vehicle occupants increased by 15%.
- Nighttime crashes increased by 11%.
- Weekend crashes increased by 9%.
- Single-vehicle crashes increased by 9%.
- Rollover crashes increased by 9%.
- Crashes with alcohol involvement per police report increased by 9%.
Categories with projected decreases in fatalities last year compared to 2019 include:
- Crashes involving a large truck decreased marginally by 2%.
- Fatalities of people aged 65 or older decreased by approximately 9%.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below features an infographic showing annual traffic deaths since 1999.
Analysis of Data in Relation to the Pandemic
The research conducted by the NHTSA suggests that during the lockdowns associated with the national public health emergency, driving behaviors and patterns significantly changed. Motorists who continued to use the roads engaged in riskier behaviors, including failure to wear a seat belt, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Average speeds appear to have increased throughout 2020, and incidents of extreme speed happened more frequently.
Chico Wrongful Death Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading our discussion of the preliminary data from the NHTSA on 2020 traffic fatalities. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a wrongful death lawyer servicing residents of Chico, California. It alarms us to learn of the increase in risky driving behaviors that led to more deaths last year. Fatal car crashes can devastate a family, both emotionally and financially. Our compassionate injury lawyers have handled numerous wrongful death cases for grieving Northern Californians. We understand that no amount of money will soothe the pain of loss. We also understand that losing a family member can create unexpected financial problems for years to come. Retaining skilled legal counsel can take some of the worries off of your mind and allow you to work through your grief. For caring, free, and friendly advice following the death of a loved one in a car accident caused by driver negligence, please do not hesitate to call our office at (530) 392-9400. From outside the local area, please use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
My firm has been advocating for Chico residents and those in other nearby cities for more than 38 years. Some of our case results can be viewed on our settlements and verdicts page. Many of my clients have posted reviews on the sites linked below:
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