The state of Connecticut saw a massive upsurge in traffic fatality rates in 2021. This was part of a major spike in death rates that swept through the whole of the U.S. The number of total deaths was listed as nearly 43,000. This was an increase of 10.5% over the number of traffic deaths that were noted in 2020.
Connecticut highway death rates are surging upward
The total number of deaths recorded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2021 was 42,915. This is an increase of over 10% from the number of deaths recorded in 2020, which was listed as 38,824. Both the number of fatalities as well as the total number of motor vehicle accidents bear witness to this sharp rise.
Fatality rates for highway accidents rose in 44 of the 50 U.S. states. This includes Connecticut. Only in 6 states were rates recorded that were on par or lower than the national average. This has led to a situation where safety industry experts are scrambling to find answers to explain this massive surge.
Many experts point to the fact that roads all across the U.S. are now more crowded than ever. This is due to the fact that lockdown conditions have been lifted. As a result, more people are using the roads and getting into a great many more fatal accidents. Death rates are now at their highest in 16 years.
Bringing death rates down by adopting safety measures
The increasing rate of fatal auto crashes is becoming a cause of serious concern in Connecticut as well as the rest of the U.S. A number of causes have been given to explain this rapid rise. Many experts point to a spike in drivers who are behind the wheel while intoxicated or distracted. Others point to the fact that more people are ignoring routine safety precautions; too many drivers are refusing to slow down, avoid tailgating, or wear their seat belts.
All of the above safety reasons are leading to a situation where the state is considering a whole new series of much stricter safety laws. The attorneys at Suisman Shapiro are always abreast of changes in the law and can help if you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
