If you think that the roads in California have become more dangerous over the last year or two, you’re not alone. Statistics from the National Traffic Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that traffic accidents increased 10.5% over 2021, the highest yearly jump since the agency began gathering such data in 1975.
Accident crisis following pandemic
According to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the United States is facing a pandemic of motor vehicle accidents following the lockdowns and precautions of the last several years. Complicating the problem is the prevalence of risky driving behaviors that have popped up in the previous two years, including speeding and the less frequent use of seat belts. Preliminary statistics released in mid-May indicate that in 2021, 42,915 people died in traffic crashes. Approximately 118 people die in American motor vehicle accidents daily.
Deaths increased in all types of crashes in 2021. Crashes involving out-of-state travel increased 15%, while multi-vehicle accidents and crashes with fatalities in urban areas rose 16%. Pedestrian deaths increased by 13%.
When looking at the age of those who died, deaths for drivers aged 35 to 64 increased by 15%, while those under 16 rose by 6%.
Big truck accidents increased by 13%. Deaths involving motorcycles were up 9%, while fatalities involving bicyclists increased 5%.
What do these statistics mean?
These statistics tend to show that all sorts of incidents involving fatalities have increased over the last several years due primarily to the prevalence of risky driving behavior. Such behaviors indicate the increased risk of auto accident-related injuries during the past year. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, you may be able to seek compensation, and The Law Office of Aman N. Shah can help. Please feel free to contact our office at any time for a free consultation.
