Traffic Fatality Decline Amidst Increased Mileage: A Glimmer of Progress

Latest News / By Manifest Global Logistics

Published August 31, 2023

In the midst of a dynamic transportation landscape, a recent report from the National Safety Council (NSC) provides encouraging news – traffic fatalities in the United States have dropped by an estimated 3% during the first six months of 2023. This decline comes even as miles traveled by American motorists increased by 2.3% during the same period. This statistical revelation underscores a step in the right direction for road safety.

The NSC’s report highlights that the combination of fewer fatalities and higher mileage has led to a decreased mileage death rate, currently at 1.34 people per 100 million vehicle miles. This represents a significant 5.6% reduction from the rate of 1.42 people per 100 million vehicle miles recorded in the preceding year, 2022.

In concrete numbers, the report reveals that there were 21,130 traffic fatalities recorded from January to June 2023, down from the 21,870 deaths during the first half of 2022. While this is indeed a positive trend, Mark Chung, Executive Vice President of Roadway Practice at NSC, emphasizes that there is still substantial work to be done. The latter half of the year often witnesses an increase in fatal crashes due to increased travel, indicating the necessity of sustained efforts to enhance road safety.

The report highlights several states that have shown remarkable progress in reducing traffic deaths during the initial half of 2023. Maine leads with an impressive 48% reduction, followed by Nebraska at 26%, and Hawaii at 23%. Other states such as New Jersey (20%), Alaska (19%), California and Massachusetts (17% each), as well as Georgia and New York (16% each) have also made significant strides in curbing road fatalities.

Stacy Tetschner, President and CEO of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), attributes this positive trend to an increased focus on the road by drivers. He notes that drivers are paying less attention to their phones and more to the task at hand, leading to a decline in distracted driving. Tetschner’s organization, ATSSA, is a member of the Road to Zero Coalition, an initiative with the goal of eliminating highway and road deaths by 2050.

Despite the encouraging overall trend, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that persist. Nine states and Washington, D.C. have experienced a rise of more than 10% in road deaths compared to the previous year. Rhode Island recorded a staggering 164% increase, with Arizona following suit at 69%. Washington, D.C. observed a 29% rise, while Wyoming and Idaho both reported a 20% increase. South Dakota (14%), Iowa (13%), North Dakota and Kentucky (11% each), and Maryland (10%) also faced an upward trend in road fatalities.

Stakeholders emphasize the significance of focusing on road safety, with Richard Ginkowski, a municipal judge in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, stressing the dire consequences of excessive speeding. Ginkowski underscores that reckless driving, including driving at dangerously high speeds, has become an epidemic with catastrophic outcomes.

As road safety remains a paramount concern, the report’s findings emphasize the importance of vigilance, responsible driving, and the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure safer roads for everyone.