The first half of 2021 marked the largest number of traffic fatalities in the nation since 2006. The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded the largest six month increase ever recorded in the history of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System resulting in an estimated 20,160 deaths between January and June of 2021, a 20 percent spike over the previous year.
In response to the record number of fatalities, two proven programs focused on highway safety will be implemented by the Federal Highway Administration:
The Focused Approach to Safety Program will work with states with the highest number of fatalities to address the most common types of crashes that result in fatalities including roadway departures, intersection crashes, and pedestrian & bicycle crashes.
The Nine New Safety Countermeasures Approach will focus on road design elements that improve safety including flashing beacons, crosswalk visibility enhancements, bicycle lanes, lighting, pavement friction, wider edge lines, variable speed limits, speed setting, and speed safety cameras.
The number of traffic fatalities in the first half of 2021 are sobering. Reducing speeds, avoiding distractions while driving, wearing seat belts, and always watching out for bicyclists and pedestrians especially will help to reduce car accident injuries and fatalities on Iowa roads.
If you or a love one is injured in an Iowa car accident, contact the law offices of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance at 563-355-6478.