FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2022
CONTACT: Allison Kennedy / [email protected] / 360-281-7033 (C)
Statement of Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), on Traffic Fatality Increases in First Half of 2022
Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released estimates that show 20,175 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during the first half of 2022. While there was a slight decrease in the second quarter figures, this is the second highest number of projected fatalities during the second quarter of any year since 2007, second only to 2021’s second quarter. The 10,590 people killed still represents a 15 percent increase over the second quarter of 2019. The 20,175 people killed in the first half of 2022 is a half percent increase over the first half of 2021 and a 19 percent increase from the first half of 2019.
Proven solutions to this national disaster remain untapped and unused. It is past time for President Joe Biden, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg, NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson and their teams to immediately advance performance standards for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that respond to all road users under all lighting conditions and impaired driving prevention technology, among others.
It is devastating that our nation is not leading the world in lifesaving measures to improve safety for all road users. It is unspeakable that we are one of the worst in motor vehicle crash deaths among other high-income countries.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America’s roads safer. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs.
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