Increased stress, increased speeds, more drinking and driving—whatever the reason, traffic fatalities are climbing rapidly even as more Americans leave the car parked at home.
In the past, more driving led to more fatalities and injuries on the road, as documented on Planetizen as recently as February 2020. During the pandemic, however, fewer cars on the road has led to more fatalities.
"New data from the National Safety Council (NSC) found the U.S. traffic fatality rate jumped 23.5% in May, compared to the year prior, despite the number of vehicle miles driven in that month dropping 25.5% amid pandemic-related stay-at-home orders," reports Kristin Musulin.
NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin is quoted in the article describing the data as a "public health crisis of significant proportions."
"In response to these estimates, NSC developed a playbook of recommendations and guidance for employers to reference as residents and commuters return to the workplace," according to Musulin.
The continued increase of fatalities per miles driven reported this month by the NSC furthers a trend reported earlier in the pandemic.
FULL STORY: US traffic fatality rate surges amid 'open season' of reckless driving
Fatal Collisions Increase Per Vehicle Miles Traveled During Pandemic
Data from the National Safety Council show the first evidence that with fewer cars on the road during the pandemic, fatal collisions have actually been more common for every mile driven.
Traffic Fatalities Set Records as Pandemic-Era Road Carnage Shows No Signs of Stopping
An estimated 42,915 people died in automobile crashes in 2021, according to recent federal data. The increasing fatalities continue a trend that began with the outset of the pandemic.
Experts Fear a Permanent 'Arousal Breakout' on U.S. Roadways
The reckless and dangerous driving that has been a hallmark of the Covid-19 pandemic could become a more common, permanent feature of life in the United States.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)