The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 9,560 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the first quarter of 2022.<\/p>\n
The figures show an increase of about seven per cent, compared to the 8,935 fatalities projected for the same quarter in 2021. This would be the highest number of first-quarter fatalities since 2002.<\/p>\n
According to NHTSA\u2019s early estimates, the fatality rate for the first quarter of 2022 increased to 1.27 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, up from the projected rate of 1.25 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles in the first quarter of 2021.<\/p>\n
NHTSA recently began breaking out fatality trends by state for the quarterly estimates. While fatalities increased nationwide, 19 states and Puerto Rico saw traffic deaths decline during this period.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe overall numbers are still moving in the wrong direction. Now is the time for all states to double down on traffic safety,\u201d said Dr Steven Cliff, NHTSA\u2019s Administrator.<\/p>\n
As part of the US Department of Transportation\u2019s National Roadway Safety Strategy<\/a> to prevent traffic deaths, NHTSA launched a public education campaign last month to address one of America\u2019s most dangerous driving behaviors \u2013 speeding.<\/p>\n