Traffic deaths in New Jersey and the rest of the U.S. are beginning to rise once more. The number of traffic fatalities recorded in 2021 was nearly 43,000. This is a figure which shocked its compiler, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While concern has been shown, the deaths keep on coming.
The number of traffic fatalities is rising
A total of 42,915 highway deaths were recorded by the NHTSA in 2021. This is the highest number of deaths since 2005. It’s also a number that is one of the highest recorded since the agency first began tracking the total number of road deaths in 1975. The number of motor vehicle accidents that result in deaths is becoming a topic of serious concern among experts all over the U.S.
There are a number of reasons that have been cited as possible causes of the recent upward spike. It is true that more people have been engaging in risky behaviors. These include speeding, not wearing their seat belts, and changing lanes without giving a warning via signaling. These errors are taking a toll.
The NHTSA is currently engaged in urging federal and state authorities to take a more proactive approach in passing a series of new measures. These are designed to bring the number of deaths on American roads back under control. While these measures are being debated, the number of highway deaths is still on the rise.
Accidents are increasing all across the country
The number of injuries and deaths that result from car accidents are rising all across the nation. Only 6 states in the U.S. reported the same or lower amount of traffic deaths in 2021. The rest of the country recorded a steady rise in the frequency and severity of road accidents.
Fatalities among drivers aged 65 and over rose by a total of 14% in 2021. At the same time, deaths among drivers aged 35 to 44 rose by 15%. The number of under-aged children under the age of 16 killed in road accidents rose by a total of 6%.
