The NHTSA estimates that traffic fatalities will rise in the Greater NY region (including New Jersey and Connecticut) in 2022 despite lighter traffic.
According to figures from the NHTSA, an estimated 20,175 people died in vehicle traffic crashes between January 1 and June 30 of this year. Yet, the fatality rate decreased to 1.27 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), down from 1.30 in 2021. However, there were still 105 more deaths in the first half of 2022 than in the first half of last year.
Interestingly, traffic fatalities didn’t increase nationwide. In half of the NHTSA’s 10 statistical regions, traffic fatalities remained steady over the previous year or fell. The percentage changes by region are as follows:
- Region 10 (Northwest)—Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington: 0% increase
- Region 9 (West)—Arizona, California, Hawaii: 4% decrease
- Region 8 (Northern Midwest)—Colorado, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming: 1% increase
- Region 7 (Midwest): Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska: 0% increase
- Region 6 (Southwest)—Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas: 1% decrease
- Region 5 (Great Lakes)—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin: 2% increase
- Region 4 (Southeast)—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee: 1% decrease
- Region 3 (Mia-Atlantic)—Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia: 3% increase
- Region 2 (Southern Northeast)—Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania: 11% increase
- Region 1 (Northeast)—Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont: 11% increase
The numbers are revealing in that Region 2, which includes New York, experienced the largest percent increase along with Region 1 which includes the more rural areas of the Northeast. While causes for such increases are not readily attributable, the federal government is implementing a safety strategy to lower these numbers.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a car accident, please contact the attorneys at Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP. We have the experience and knowledge to deal with the insurance companies and help you return to a normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.
