U.S. traffic deaths hit 16-year high in first half of 2022

Robert Besser
22 Sep 2022, 23:42 GMT+10

According to the NHTSA, in the first half of 2022, U.S. traffic deaths rose to 20,175, a 0.5 percent increase and the highest number killed on the nation's roads since 2006
As more drivers believed police were less likely to issue tickets, while others drove recklessly after the end of COVID-19 lockdowns, traffic deaths increased
However, this week officials said traffic deaths dropped by 4.9 percent in the second quarter of 2022

WASHINGTON D.C.: According to an early estimate released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the first half of 2022, U.S. traffic deaths rose to 20,175, a 0.5 percent increase and the highest number killed on the nation's roads since 2006.

As more drivers believed police were less likely to issue tickets, while others drove recklessly after the end of COVID-19 lockdowns, traffic deaths increased.

However, this week officials said traffic deaths dropped by 4.9 percent in the second quarter of 2022, the first decline after seven consecutive quarters of year-over-year increases in fatalities, but still higher than pre-pandemic levels.

"Despite the second quarter decline, the number of people dying on roads in this country remains a crisis," said Ann Carlson, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration general counsel.

In a statement issued this week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the U.S. needs safer drivers, vehicles, roads and speed limits, adding, "These deaths are preventable,not inevitable, and we should act accordingly."

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Charlotte Star.

More Information

59 ℉

Light Rain in Charlotte

International

Section

Israeli ambassador extends thanks to U.S. president after UN vote

Israel has acknowledged and thanked the United States and President Joe Biden for standing firmly by Israel's side at the ...

E-bike's battery catches fire in New York, killing 1, injuring 6

NEW YORK: This week, New York City officials said that one person was killed and six others were injured when ...

United Kingdom passes on crucial vote to end war in Gaza

NEW YORK, New York - The United Kingdom refrained from supporting demands for a ceasefire in the two-months long Israel-Gaza ...

United States strikes down international demand for ceasefire

NEW YORK, New York - The U.S. was alone on Friday in a 13-1 vote for a ceasefire in the ...

Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested for working for Cuba

WASHINGTON D.C.: The Associated Press (AP) reported that Manuel Rocha, a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to ...

Wisconsin man who firebombed anti-abortion group office pleads guilty

MADISON, Wisconsin: On November 30, Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury from Wisconsin pleaded guilty to firebombing a conservative anti-abortion group's office on ...

Business

Section