Over 20,000 people died throughout the United States in traffic-related accidents in the first half of 2021.
Six-Month Data
Today the US Department of Transportation released a report entitled Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for the First Half (January–June) of 2021. Data shows that an estimated 20,160 people died in the first six months of 2021 in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and 18.4% increase compared to 2020.
Even looking back three decades, the spike in the first quarter of 2021 is the highest in recorded history. According to Fox News:
"Vehicle miles traveled jumped about 13% to 173.1 billion miles, which may explain some of the increase in traffic fatalities, but the DOT also said that "incidents of speeding and traveling without a seat belt remain higher than during pre-pandemic times.'"
Major Issues
1. Seat Belts
On August 12, 2021, a driver in Jacksonville lost control and hit a tree head-on. Neither the driver or the passenger were wearing seatbelts. The passenger was killed after hitting the windshield.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 47% of passengers involved in car collisions in 2019 were killed. That same year, 55% of adults involved in nighttime car collisions were killed.
In 2020, the number of deaths involving both speed and unrestrained drivers and passengers increased by 78% compared to 2019. Those statistics are only rising in 2021, even compared to pre-pandemic numbers and fewer cars on the road.
2. Speeding
A spike in vehicle miles traveled could be attributing to speed-related traffic collisions. During the first half of 2021, vehicle miles traveled increased about 173 miles, or about 13% compared to the same time frame in 2020. Naturally, when a driver has more distance to travel, their speed will increase.
Here in Jacksonville, the death toll surpassed 150 as of September 2021, which is on track to surpass 2020's total of 205 traffic-related fatalities.
Speaking of the increase in traffic fatalities, Sgt. Scott Lundquist - head of the Sheriff's Office's traffic homicide unit - stated that "a lot of it would be attributed to people being locked up and not being able to get out. Now they are in a hurry to do everything and get everything done." He continued that "there's road rage and drivers not being patient."
On August 12, 2021, a driver in Jacksonville lost control and hit a tree head-on. Neither the driver or the passenger were wearing seatbelts. The passenger was killed after hitting the windshield.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 47% of passengers involved in car collisions in 2019 were killed. That same year, 55% of adults involved in nighttime car collisions were killed.
In 2020, the number of deaths involving both speed and unrestrained drivers and passengers increased by 78% compared to 2019. Those statistics are only rising in 2021, even compared to pre-pandemic numbers and fewer cars on the road.
2. Speeding
A spike in vehicle miles traveled could be attributing to speed-related traffic collisions. During the first half of 2021, vehicle miles traveled increased about 173 miles, or about 13% compared to the same time frame in 2020. Naturally, when a driver has more distance to travel, their speed will increase.
Here in Jacksonville, the death toll surpassed 150 as of September 2021, which is on track to surpass 2020's total of 205 traffic-related fatalities.
Speaking of the increase in traffic fatalities, Sgt. Scott Lundquist - head of the Sheriff's Office's traffic homicide unit - stated that "a lot of it would be attributed to people being locked up and not being able to get out. Now they are in a hurry to do everything and get everything done." He continued that "there's road rage and drivers not being patient."
Solutions
The FHWA's Proven Safety Countermeasures initiative (PSCi) is "a collection of countermeasures and strategies effective in reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries on our Nation’s highways." This initiative focuses on a variety of issues and introduces solutions to help prevent further spikes in traffic deaths, including:
Time will tell how well this initiative is implemented and how drivers adjust. In the meantime, it is in our control to drive slower, safer, and more responsibly. Lives depend on it.
- Speed Safety Cameras
- Wider Edge Lines
- Medium Barriers
- Backplates with Reflective Borders
- Modern Roundabouts
- Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements
Time will tell how well this initiative is implemented and how drivers adjust. In the meantime, it is in our control to drive slower, safer, and more responsibly. Lives depend on it.
Final Thoughts
Traffic collisions can ruin lives, even if a fatality is avoided. Injuries, hospitalization, lost wages, spikes in insurance premiums. The collission is only the beginning. If you have been injured in a car crash, call Alisa Wilkes, Jacksonville car accident lawyer. She will meet with you on-site and help you plan for a bright future in the midst of chaos.