NSC: Motor Vehicle Deaths Up for First Three Months of 2021
Motor Vehicle deaths are a tragedy that we deal with every single day. In the U.S., we lose an average of 90 people in car accidents daily. Tragically, most collision-related fatalities are preventable. Public education campaigns and traffic enforcement are important tools to help change dangerous driving behavior. Preliminary numbers for 2021 show that motor vehicle deaths are up for the first three months of 2021.
If you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident because of the negligent or reckless behavior of another, you may be entitled to compensation through a car accident claim. A personal injury attorney can explain your legal rights and help you recover a full and fair settlement for your losses.
NSC: Motor Vehicle Deaths Up for First Three Months of 2021
Preliminary monthly estimates of 2021 traffic fatalities show motor-vehicle deaths up 18 percent over last year. With stay-at-home orders in effect during March 2020, the number of miles driven was 13.2 percent lower than it was in 2019. March of 2021 saw traffic increase by 19 percent over last year but that was still down 3.5 percent over 2019.
According to data shared by the NSC, traffic fatalities from January through March, 2021 are estimated to be 9,420. This preliminary estimate is an increase of 10 percent compared to 2020 and an increase of 12 percent over 2019. The preliminary estimate of motor-vehicle deaths in March 2021 is 3,260; this is up 18 percent from March 2020 and 10 percent over 2019. In addition, March is the ninth month out of the last 10 to show a year-over-year increase in traffic fatalities compared to the prior year. Still, the miles driven does need to be factored into the equation to get a clear picture of trends. With miles driven in March 2021 up over miles driven in March 2020, the monthly mileage death rate actually decreased by 0.8 percent. In addition, motor-vehicle deaths for the first three months of the year actually decreased in 11 states compared to the first three months of 2020.
Visit https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/preliminary-monthly-estimates/ for charts with the details.
Top causes of motor vehicle deaths
While the data we looked at today doesn’t assess the cause of the accidents, prior research provides information about the most likely main causes.
The top causes of motor vehicle deaths are:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or prescriptions medications
- Failing to wear seatbelts
- Driving while tired or upset
- Driving at night and during unsafe road conditions such as snow storms
- Driving a vehicle that is unsafe such as one with faulty brakes
We owe a duty of care to others – not to mention ourselves – when we get behind the wheel and that means making responsible choices that will reduce the risk of being involved in a fatal car accident.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
