Unless you live in an area where you always walk or take the train, it’s fairly likely that you have an automobile for transportation purposes. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles fill the roads and highways, getting people from here to there. Fortunately, by obeying written traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits, most people can get around without any trouble. But accidents happen. Unfortunately, drivers and their passengers are never entirely immune to the inherent risks that come with operating an automobile, and people lose their lives on the road every day.
This article will take a look at some of the statistics when it comes to auto accident fatalities. We’ll then analyze the data and interpret its meaning by comparing these statistics to those of previous years. It’s important to recognize dangerous trends and determine what we can do to keep the overall number of fatalities down.
Earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released an estimated number of fatalities in the first quarter of 2022. Unfortunately, it’s still too early to get any more recent data, but the first quarter alone reveals an alarming trend. The numbers are up almost 7% from the first quarter of the previous year. That’s 1.27 fatalities per 100 million miles, which is reported to be the highest number since 2002.
Why the sudden jump in auto accidents and fatalities? As we’ve said on this blog in the past, the post-COVID-19 world is full of people who are eager to get back to traveling and entertaining and socializing. Paired with the fact that businesses and restaurants are finally easing restrictions and returning to normal, this widespread case of cabin fever has led to a swell in automobile traffic. With more people on the roads, there’s more likely to be an accident. Not every auto accident is fatal, but the odds are ever-increasing with the numbers.
So what can be done about it? The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has implemented a National Roadway Safety Strategy to spread awareness and educate the general public on the dangers of speeding and driving while impaired. Dr. Steven Cliff, the administrator of the NHTSA, maintains that it’s time “for all states to double down on traffic safety.” We can all do our part by observing local traffic laws and making wise decisions when it comes to operating a vehicle. Let’s do what we can to ensure that the fatality statistics of 2023 are on the decline. Stay safe out there!
