What is the current number of U.S. traffic deaths?

Traffic deaths in the U.S. fell to 36,640 last year, the lowest number since 2019.

What was the fatality rate on U.S. roads?

The fatality rate on U.S. roads fell to 1.10 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

What funding has been allocated for road safety in the U.S.?

Congress approved $5 billion over five years for road safety as part of a 2021 infrastructure law.

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U.S. Traffic Deaths Hit Lowest Since 2019

2 Apr

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Summary

Traffic deaths fell 6.7% to 36,640 last year.
Fatality rate reached 1.10 per 100 million vehicle miles.
Congress approved $5 billion for road safety initiatives.

U.S. Traffic Deaths Hit Lowest Since 2019

U.S. traffic fatalities have reached their lowest number since 2019, signifying a positive shift after a period of increased road deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, traffic fatalities decreased by 6.7% to 36,640, and the fatality rate fell to 1.10 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

This marks the fourth consecutive year of decline. Experts suggest that during the pandemic, a perception of reduced police presence may have led to riskier driving behaviors, including impaired driving. The U.S. saw a particularly sharp rise in fatalities in 2021, with deaths jumping 10.8% to 43,230.

In response to these concerns, Congress allocated $5 billion over five years as part of a 2021 infrastructure law to address road safety. The financial impact of crashes is substantial, with a 2023 study estimating direct costs to taxpayers at $30 billion and societal costs reaching $340 billion, or $1.37 trillion when quality-of-life valuations are included.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.