NSC Reports Traffic Deaths Have Increased for Six Consecutive Months
The trend is expected to continue as summer arrives.
The National Safety Council reported that traffic deaths in the U.S. have increased every month for the past six months, compared with the same months in 2014. NSC is asking all drivers to double down on safety to slow the rate of increased fatalities and injuries because the council expects this trend to continue into the summer, a period that it calls the "100 deadly days."
"While the statistics point out a dangerous trend, we have the ability to influence outcomes through our choices and behavior," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "Summer is typically a high-exposure period with lots of miles driven and several long holiday weekends. Take your responsibilities behind the wheel this summer seriously and ensure that you get to your destination safety."
The three-month stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day has taken 48,579 lives since 2010. NSC believes the increase in car crashes is due in part to the improved economy. Lower gas prices and lower unemployment rates lead to an increase in traffic because more people can afford to drive.
Fatal car crashes have seen an 11 percent increase during the past three months and an 8 percent increase in the past six months.