The National Safety Council (NSC) has released preliminary estimates revealing 21,340 people died in preventable crashes on US roads during the first six months of 2022 – a one per cent decrease compared to the same time period in 2021.

However, the number of preventable deaths in 2022 is up 15 per cent compared to 2020 and the organisation said the figures proved US roadways were still “supremely dangerous” especially for those walking, biking, and rolling.

Some states experienced fewer preventable deaths on the roads, while others saw increases of 19 per cent or more in the first six months of 2022.

“We must not become complacent,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.

“Traffic violence plagues our communities, and thousands of lives lost each month is simply unacceptable. A one percent decrease only symbolizes a glimmer of hope and serves as confirmation that now is the time to combine proven countermeasures with innovative solutions so we can save lives. The work is far from over.”