Residents of Georgia may want to learn more about recent statistics that show that there was a spike in road deaths during 2021. This was after a decline in these road accidents in the three years prior. There were some meaningful reasons for this spike, which involved actions by drivers. Knowing this may make you more careful.
According to news sources, studies found that almost 43,000 people died on U.S. roads last year, 2021. After a year of fewer people on the roads, that year showed an increase in traffic fatalities; it was the biggest jump since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began collecting data in 1975.
Less traffic, more risky behavior
With fewer cars on the road and people staying home, those who were on the roads used behaviors that were higher risk for fatal accidents. Drivers were often speeding, without the worry of cars around them. Additionally, they did not use seat belts as often.
Time for road trips
Drivers made more out-of-state road trips. It was time to catch up with friends and family by driving to gatherings and celebrations again. Impaired driving added to the conditions to make this a more dangerous time, as motor vehicle crashes surged. There was a report that showed that nearly 118 people died in U.S. traffic crashes every day last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s figures.
Solving the problem
Government transportation officials see the motor vehicle fatality problem as solvable. It will take a combination of drivers and local and state government administrators to work towards a solution. Suggestions include slower speed limits, dedicated lanes for bikes and buses, speed cameras and more traffic stops for speeding.