The Washington Post reports on traffic deaths in 2021:
Road deaths soared more than 10 percent in 2021, compared with a year earlier, reaching 42,915, according to estimates released Tuesday by federal transportation officials. It was the highest number of fatalities nationwide since 2005.
The agency said fatal multi-vehicle crashes and crashes on urban roads were up 16 percent. Fatalities among senior citizens jumped 14 percent. Deaths involving at least one large truck soared 13 percent, as did pedestrian fatalities. Deaths of bicyclists were up 5 percent, as were fatal crashes involving speeding and alcohol. Driving overall was up 11 percent.
“We will redouble our safety efforts, and we need everyone — state and local governments, safety advocates, automakers, and drivers — to join us,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Steven Cliff said in a statement. “All of our lives depend on it.”
