Road traffic fatalities have risen in the USA, with preliminary data showing 11,750 fatalities in the 3 months to September 2021 and 31,720 fatalities in the first 9 months of 2021. That's a 32% rise in just the last decade, and a 12% rise on last year.
Why are roads getting more dangerous?
It's not immediately obvious, considering the ongoing improvements in car safety and design, but blaming the pandemic is probably not a bad bet.
Stress from job losses and ill health, coupled with fewer cars on the road, may have encouraged more risk-taking behind the wheel. Indeed, that's been the conclusion from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with some behavioral research showing that speeding and traveling without a seat belt have been more common in the last couple of years. Drive safe, folks.
