Dangerous Driving Causes U.S. Traffic Deaths to Spike

It’s widely known that car crashes are one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Unfortunately, the number of car accident deaths has skyrocketed recently, even as the COVID-19 pandemic has raged. New data from federal safety officials shows that traffic fatalities have continued to rise in 2021, even from their elevated levels in 2020. The increased number of deaths seems to be driven by an increase in risky driving behaviors. Even more people could get hurt if drivers aren’t more careful. Keep reading to learn more.

Pandemic Levels of Accident Fatalities 

Safety experts are surprised at accident rates during the pandemic because the number of fatal traffic accidents continues to increase while drivers log fewer miles. According to recent information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 31,720 traffic fatalities through the first nine months of 2021. This is the highest number of traffic deaths for the first nine months of the year since 2006. It’s also a 12 percent increase from the number of traffic deaths through the first nine months of 2020. The NHTSA says this is the biggest percentage increase for the first nine months of a year in the history of the government’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

The number of traffic deaths per 100 million miles driven was 1.35 through the first nine months of 2020, while it was 1.36 deaths per 100 million miles driven through the first nine months of 2021. That may not sound like a big increase, but it’s a massive jump compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The fatality rate for the first nine months of 2019 was 1.10 deaths per 100 million miles driven. That means the fatality rate has jumped significantly in just two years, but it’s even worse than it sounds. People have generally been driving less during the pandemic, but if the fatality rate is increasing, that means the number of people dying has significantly offset the decrease in the number of miles driven. 

Research indicates this increase in traffic deaths may be largely due to an increase in risky driving behavior. One survey found that drivers in the U.S. were about seven percent more likely to speed or drink and drive during the pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

How Public Transportation Can Improve Safety

One possible solution to this crisis is for communities to invest more in public transportation. Decreasing the number of drivers on the roads means less traffic and less chance of an accident. Additionally, passengers who use public transportation won’t put anyone else in danger if they’re impaired by drugs or alcohol, whereas they could hurt themselves or others if they were behind the wheel of a car. 

Finally, public transportation could make it easier for people to get home after a long work shift, preventing them from driving while fatigued and making accidents less likely.

Need a Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer? Contact Serious Injury Law Group Today

There’s no way to completely negate the risk of car accidents. If you’re hurt in a Birmingham or Montgomery car accident caused by someone else, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you pursue the money you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The Serious Injury Law Group has extensive experience with car accident cases and can help you demand fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a skilled Alabama car accident attorney.