U.S. traffic, pedestrian deaths drop with new safety initiatives (UPI)

The number of traffic-related deaths in the U.S. declined for the first half of this year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which attributed the drop in deaths to new safety initiatives.

NHTSA released new numbers showing fatalities involving pedestrians and unbuckled occupants decreased, as the number of deaths for those involved in high-speed and rollover crashes also dropped.

For those driving out of state, there was a 12% decrease in traffic-related deaths. There were 8% fewer drivers and passengers killed on urban interstates and 5% fewer killed on local roads.

There was a 7% drop in the number of passengers killed, including children under the age of 10, and those who were unrestrained. For speeding, 6% more survived crashes and rollovers. The survival rate increased 4% in crashes at night and during weekends, while the number of pedestrians killed dropped 3% for the first six months of 2024.

While the numbers show fewer deaths in nearly every category, they also mark the ninth straight quarter of declining fatalities.

"We are encouraged by the declines estimated in these key categories but know we still have more work to do to make our roads safer for everyone," said NHTSA deputy administrator Sophie Shulman. "We will use every tool we have to save lives, reduce injuries and prevent risky driving behaviors."

In 2022, the Department of Transportation launched the National Roadway Safety Strategy to reduce the number of traffic deaths and injuries in the U.S. Since then, the Safe Streets and Roads for All program — which is part of the Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — has funded projects in more than 1,600 communities to promote road safety for about 75% of the U.S. population.

Moving forward, NHTSA will require automatic emergency braking systems for passenger cars and light trucks by 2029. The agency is also working to finalize a similar requirement for heavy vehicles.

Visit the United Press International website to learn more about the new safety initiatives.