© Dmitry Kalinovsky | Dreamstime.com
Dreamstime L 79849941 6048e90b1b05d

NSC: Roads Were Emptier but Deadlier in 2020

March 10, 2021
Preliminary data from the National Safety Council has found the largest increase in deaths from motor vehicles despite fewer people on the road because of COVID-19.

Despite many people sheltering at home and not driving, motor vehicle deaths in 2020 were the highest since 2007, according to a preliminary data from the National Safety Council (NSC).

The NSC says deaths from motor vehicles on public roads, parking lots and driveways rose 8% last year, resulting in as many as 42,060 lives lost. The rate of driving fatalities increased 24% from 2019 to 2020, the highest increase in 96 years. That’s in spite of the fact that the number of miles driven decreased 13%

“It is tragic that in the U.S., we took cars off the road and didn’t reap any safety benefits” said Lorraine Martin, NSC president and CEO in a statement. “These data expose our lack of an effective roadway safety culture.”

In addition, an estimated 4.8 million roadway users were seriously injured in crashes in 2020.

Further analysis found that only nine states saw a decline in deaths (ranging from 1% to 13%) while eight states saw more than a 15% increase in deaths in 2020.

Early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also show a 4.6% increase in fatalities for the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019 despite a 14.5% decrease in vehicle miles traveled.

While reasons for the increase are still being investigated, Martin told NPR that risky driving behaviors played a role.

"And we know what those risky driving behaviors are, even though we haven't done all the analysis of these specific crashes," she says. "We know it's speeding. We know it's driving without a seatbelt. And we know it's driving impaired...and distracted."

About the Author

Nicole Stempak

Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Take This Quiz to Find Your Safety Glove Personality

Feb. 28, 2025
What’s your HyFlex®?

Artificial Intelligence: What It Means for Safety and What's Next

Feb. 27, 2025
AI is changing the way many industries do business. Matt Law joins “The Case for Safety Podcast” to share how it’s impacting the safety profession.

10 Things Safety Professionals Should Know About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Feb. 27, 2025
From "The Incredibles" to "Changing Lanes," pop culture is full of myths about fire sprinkler systems. Expert Chris Butts helps set the record straight.

How to Improve Safety and Organizational Culture Through Risk Management

Feb. 27, 2025
By understanding and applying risk management concepts, you can improve safety and organizational culture — often with greater support from leadership.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!