The number of traffic deaths on US roads decreased slightly during the first nine months of 2022 compared to the previous year, but fatalities amongst cyclists and pedestrians continued to rise.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) projections an estimated 31,785 people were killed in crashes from January to September – a 0.2 per cent reduction compared to the same time in 2021.
Compared to the same period of time in 2021, fatalities last year decreased:
- 10% in children younger than 16
- 10% on urban collector and local roads
- 9% in vehicle rollover crashes
- 8% in people ages 16 to 24
- 7% in crashes involving passengers ejected from a vehicle
- 7% in unbelted people in passenger vehicles
- 2% in speeding-related crashes
The NHTSA projects that fatalities declined slightly in the third quarter of 2022, making this the second straight quarterly decline in fatalities after seven consecutive quarters of year-to-year increases.
However, while fatalities overall declined, fatalities amongst cyclists and pedestrians continued to rise.
“Fatalities have not increased for two quarters now, but we have far more work to do to save lives and address the crisis on our nation’s roadways,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson.
“That means investing in safety, implementing strategies that work, and embracing the safe system approach outlined in the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy.
“We urge everyone to do their part by driving safely and watching out for others on the road, especially vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.”
