1st Half of 2021 Marked Highest Number of Traffic Deaths in 15 Years
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) traffic deaths for the first half of 2021, indicate that they were the highest since 2006. According to their study, an estimated 20,160 individuals were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2021 despite fewer people being on the road. The number shows an 18.4% increase from the previous year.
Data shows that speeding and not wearing a seatbelt may be two of the reasons that traffic deaths are so high. Historically, nearly one-third of all traffic accidents involve a drunk driver. All of this means that the vast majority of traffic accident injuries and deaths are preventable.
Traffic accident fast facts from NHTSA:
- An estimated 32 people die in the United States every day in crashes involving a drunk drivers.
- One person is killed approximately every 45 minutes in a DUI-related accident.
- Over 11,650 people died in 2020 in accidents involving alcohol impairment.
- There was a 14% increase from 2019 to 2020 in DUI-related deaths.
- 21% of the fatal traffic accidents where a child (14 and younger) died involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
- 67% of the alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2020 involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .15% or higher.
Given these deadly statistics, it is imperative to get help if you are struggling with alcohol addiction or dependence. Millions of individuals struggle with alcohol use disorder but never get the treatment they need. Getting help can save your life and others.