Latest Traffic Safety Data Adds Grim Death Count to an Already Tragic Year

The public health epidemic created by dangerous roads, dangerous cars, and dangerous drivers was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2 minute read

June 8, 2021, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Street Traffic

logoboom / Shutterstock

Alissa Walker reports:

An estimated 38,680 people were killed on U.S. roadways in 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed today. This is not just a 7 percent increase from the previous year — it’s the highest number recorded since 2007, it comes after years of (modest) declines, and it happened even as Americans drove 13 percent fewer miles than they had the year before. 

The latest data serves as confirmation of preliminary data as well as observations from throughout the pandemic about increasing levels of reckless driving on the relatively empty roads during the pandemic.

Traffic fatalities were up for occupants of passenger vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and people on bikes. Traffic fatalities were also up according to a litany of metrics like "occupant ejection," on urban interstates, on rural local and collector roads, at night, on the weekend, and due to alcohol, among other measures, according to a press release announcing the new traffic safety data.

That press release includes a soundbite from the acting director of the NHTSA, Steven Cliff, saying that safety is the top priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. "We intend to use all available tools to reverse these trends and reduce traffic fatalities and injuries,” says Cliff.

According to Walker, the grim statistics are followed by the potential for unprecedented traffic safety reforms at the state level in New York. "For the first time in history, comprehensive and meaningful reform is being proposed in New York State, as a coalition of traffic-safety advocates are supporting eight bills before legislators, including proposed laws that would tighten blood-alcohol limits, allow speed cameras to operate day and night, and create a first-of-its-kind pedestrian-safety rating system for SUVs."

Thursday, June 3, 2021 in Curbed

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Man sitting on bench sillhouetted against golden hour trees in tranquil park.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies

Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

46 seconds ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of gold-covered New Jersey state capitol dome in Trenton, New Jersey at dusk.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms

The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

1 hour ago - New Jersey Monitor

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard