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Traffic Fatalities in the First Three Months of 2022 Were At a 20-Year High

drive safely memorial signs on roadsideLast week, federal officials announced traffic deaths in the first quarter of the year were at a 20-year high. According to early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 9,500 deaths in vehicle crashes in the first three months of 2022.

These early estimates also represent a seven percent increase compared to the same period in 2021 – 8,935 people were killed in traffic crashes in the first quarter of last year.

This is more bad news from the NHTSA, which released estimates of traffic deaths for 2021 a few months ago. These estimates say the nation saw the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2005 (42,915). In fact, the number of fatalities last year represents the largest percentage increase (10.5 percent more than 38,824 in 2020) in the history of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

When these numbers were released U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said there is a “crisis” on our roads that needs to be addressed.

Last October, an interim dean at the University of New Haven pointed to several factors that may explain the increase in traffic deaths, including:

  • Increased drug use
  • Increased alcohol abuse
  • Texting and driving
  • Failure to wear a seat belt
  • More opportunities for speeding because fewer cars are on the road

Every state did not see an increase in traffic fatalities though. The NHTSA found that 19 states and Puerto Rico saw declines in traffic deaths during the first three months of the year.

Injured in a Traffic Crash? Call Schmidt Kramer

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a vehicle collision, we may be able to help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. Our Harrisburg-based vehicle crash lawyers provide legal services at no upfront cost and there are no fees while we seek compensation on your behalf.

We have helped many crash victims seek compensation. While we are able to negotiate settlements in many cases, we are also prepared to take cases to court to pursue the justice and compensation our clients deserve.

Contact us today. We are ready to assist you. (717) 727-2089