NHTSA data for 2022 shows a decrease in vehicle deaths, an increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths
Data the words National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for road traffic deaths in 2022 (for the first 9 months of the year) is over and it tells a few different stories. On the good news, the death rate for people who die in cars is going down. For the bad news, the number of deaths for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists related to traffic accidents has increased.
The data estimates that in the first nine months of 2022, 31,785 people died in traffic accidents. Compared to the same time period in 2021, which is a 0.2% reduction in deaths. This is the first time the numbers have leveled off since the pandemic saw a significant increase in the number of traffic deaths. This puts the estimated death rate for 2022 at 1.30 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. Again, this is down from 2021’s rate of 1.32 deaths per 100 million miles.
Pedestrian deaths will increase 2% in 2022. Motorcyclists face a 5% increased risk of death, and biker even worse with an 8% increase in mortality. Vehicle crashes in rural areas also spiked in 2022, with a 12% increase from 2021.
For deaths down from 2021, NHTSA reported a 9% reduction in fatal rollover crashes and a 2% reduction in speeding-related crashes. Data also varies by US state or territory. The states in the Northeast/New England region saw the biggest increase in deaths (up 5%), while the Plains states saw the most noticeable decline (also 5%).
“The death rate hasn’t increased in two quarters now, but we have a lot more work to do to save lives and address our nation’s road crisis,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “That means investing in safety, implementing effective strategies and adopting the safe systems approach outlined in the Department’s National Road Safety Strategy. We urge everyone to do their part by driving safely and keeping an eye on others on the road, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and cyclists. motorcyclists.”
Related: Thousands of pedestrians die every year. It’s not that way
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