The number of road accident deaths rose by 0.5% during the first half of 2022 as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the highest number of accidental deaths the country has witnessed in 16 years.
The number of deaths has shot up critically following the end of COVID-19 lockdowns, due to more drivers engaging in risky behavior. According to the analysis, roads are less busy, prompting more risky behavior, as road users believe police are less likely to issue tickets.
The NHTSA research data indicates that speeding and traveling without seatbelts are now more prevalent than during the pre-pandemic period. As of 2021, pedestrian fatalities had a 13% increase, the highest since 1981. In addition, the number of cyclist fatalities increased by 5%, which is also the highest since 1980. In spite of a fall in numbers during the second quarter, the death toll from road accidents is still high, says the NHTSA Acting Administrator General Counsel, Ann Carlson.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the US needs safer roads, drivers, and vehicles. America’s road death trolls are a crisis that President Biden’s administration must address quickly. Based on the fatality rate, this issue isn’t an easy fix. It requires collective responsibility from the police, drivers, motorists, and pedestrians. According to Secretary Buttigieg, these deaths are not inevitable; they can be averted if the right steps are taken.
Michael Brooks, the Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, said the problem results from increased vehicles on the roads and distractions during driving. The road safety watchdog, NHTSA, is slow to adopt new road safety regulations. The situation is expected to get worse, with the increase in vehicles and the emergence of the so-called electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are heavy and fast, and can cause a greater threat to pedestrians. Most electric vehicles don’t have modern safety measures, accelerate super-fast and may catch fire more easily.
Vehicle horsepower and weights also remain high, reports the Environmental Protection Agency. This is a cause of alarm for safety advocates since the higher the horsepower and weight, the higher the number of fatalities, says Michael Brooks.
Cars are heavier now too, with average weights about 4,100 pounds during the 2021 model year. The bigger the vehicle, the more deadly they are when crashes occur, especially when motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are involved, says Advocates for Highway Auto Safety’s President, Cathy Chase. Therefore, the trend of wanting to drive big is a threat to all road users.
Although large trucks and SUVs boost high technology safety measures, they are more likely to hit pedestrians when making turns.
Experts say there is an urgent need for a combination of new regulations and behavior changes or the fatality trend will worsen. We must embrace the use of seatbelts, drive at lower speeds and avoid distractions on the roads if we want to bring this scary trend to an end.
