Road deaths spiked in 2021

On Behalf of | May 23, 2022 | Car Accidents |

Car accidents are unfortunately a regular occurrence in Florida and around the country. Sadly, an uptick in crashes in 2021 resulted in more road deaths.

Why did car accidents increase?

In 2021, there was a notable increase in car accidents. Around 43,000 people were killed, which was the highest since 2005. This resulted in a 10.5% increase in road deaths compared with 2020.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this increase was the largest ever noted within a single year’s time. The rise in serious car accidents and subsequent deaths came due to the increase in risky behaviors of drivers in 2021. More motorists were speeding, driving recklessly or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, putting everyone around them at risk.

Who was most affected by these accidents?

According to the NHTSA, car accidents resulting in fatalities occurred on all types of roads and highways. There was an increase in deaths from multi-vehicle accidents by 16%. There was also a 13% increase in deaths among pedestrians. Accidents involving commercial trucks rose by 13%. More people riding motorcycles and bicycles were also killed during 2021.

Fatalities increased in multiple age groups as a result of motor vehicle accidents in 2021. Deaths among senior drivers increased by 14% while fatalities involving people ages 35 to 44 increased by 15%. Even children younger than 16 were 6% more likely to die from car accidents that year.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that many of the fatal accidents that occurred in 2021 were due to human error. He stressed that a plan to make roads safer for everyone is being devised and that traffic enforcement must be part of the solution to the problem.

Part of the plan includes building more lanes designated specifically for bikes or buses and increasing the number of crosswalks. Lighting is often an issue, which means the plan would include more lights and those that are stronger so drivers can more easily see pedestrians and cyclists.

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attorneys Brad Culpepper and Brett J. Kurland