Road safety in the US is a serious cause for concern, highlighted by the latest official data. According to preliminary data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there has been a 7% jump in fatalities caused by car crashes.
The data shows that there were 38,680 fatalities from car crashes during 2020, despite a 13% reduction in the total distance driven (due to the pandemic). Of those killed in car crashes, more than 50% were vehicle occupants who were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of impact. This is the highest figure for vehicle occupant deaths caused by crashes involving non-seatbelt use since 2012.
The NHTSA data also reveals an increase in other hazardous behaviour amongst vehicle users during the pandemic such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
