NHTSA estimates traffic fatalities up 10.5% in 1Q 2021 year-on-year, while driving declined
03 September 2021
The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for the First Quarter of 2021. NHTSA estimates that 8,730 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the first three months of 2021, a 10.5% increase from the 7,900 fatalities the agency projected for the first quarter of 2020.
These increases in fatalities come even as driving declined; preliminary data reported by the Federal Highway Administration show that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the first three months of 2021 decreased by 2.1%, or about 14.9 billion miles. The fatality rates per 100 million VMT for the first quarter of 2021 increased to 1.26 fatalities per 100 million VMT, up from the projected rate of 1.12 fatalities in the same time last year.
These early estimates suggest the driving patterns and behaviors the agency reported in 2020, which changed significantly from previous years, continue to prevail and that drivers who remained on the roads engaged in more risky behavior, including speeding, failing to wear seat belts, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
To assist stakeholders in evaluating the trends and identifying countermeasures, NHTSA today also released the 10th edition of Countermeasures That Work. This report supports a proactive, equitable safe system approach to eliminating fatalities on US roads, and addresses the safety of all road users, including those who walk, bike and drive.
The 10 program areas covered in this edition of Countermeasures That Work are alcohol- and drug-impaired driving; bicycle safety; distracted driving; drowsy driving; motorcycle safety; older drivers; pedestrian safety; seat belts and child restraints; speeding and speed management; and young drivers.
The report includes a look at how each issue impacts our society, and proven strategies for communities to consider in addressing these specific concerns.
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