traffic fatality

In 2020 despite a steep drop in vehicle miles traveled, 42 percent at its lowest point compared to the average in 2019, the number of traffic fatalities in New Hampshire remained consistent with 2019, indicating a spike in the traffic fatality rate. Reckless driving resulting in deadlier crashes has been identified as a cause, and the lethal combination of a rise in speeding and impaired driving and a decrease in seat belt use has been reported. Clearly, these dangerous issues need to be addressed and certainly should not be exacerbated by increasing speed limits.