Concern at high US crashes

There is concern at the high US road crash rate.
By MJ Woof September 30, 2020 Read time: 1 min
The US has a worrying rate of road crashes – image © courtesy of Mike Woof
Preliminary data suggests an increase in road deaths in the US for the first six months of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. The estimates point to an increase in fatalities linked to the use of vehicles of 20%.

This increase in road deaths comes in spite of a 17% drop in the total distance driven, a fall caused by the global pandemic.

The data comes from the National Safety Council (NSC). More research has to be carried out to reveal the cause of the jump in fatalities linked to the use of motor vehicles.

However, the NSC has previously pointed out that driver distraction is an increasing problem for US drivers. The use of smart phones at the wheel is a particular issue according to the NSC, and while hands-free equipment may be legal, research shows it is not safe to use.

A report from the NSC, Understanding Driver Distraction, reveals that “electronic devices are visually, manually and, most of all, cognitively distracting to drivers.” In addition, this report states, “…the safest option is to completely eliminate driver use of cell phones and interactive, in-vehicle infotainment systems.”
Highway & Network Management

Related Content

  • Wacker Neuson sees business growth with strong results
    November 10, 2017
    The Wacker Neuson Group is reporting a strong third quarter performance for 2017. The company’s latest results reveal a marked increase in revenue and earnings and says it remains positive about the fourth quarter of 2017. Wacker Neuson says it expects its revenue and earnings forecast for the current fiscal year to come in at the higher end of previous forecasts. The Wacker Neuson Group reported revenue of € 378.7 million for the third quarter of 2017. This corresponds to an increase of 20% over the €315.
    Read More
  • Improving safety for vulnerable road users
    January 2, 2013
    Dutch-style cycle safety for other European nations – Mike Woof writes A recent event held in London during October was aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. Called Love London go Dutch, the event was intended to highlight some of the experience from Holland in reducing risk rates for vulnerable road users such as cyclists. Similar events were held in other UK cities, while other major European cities such as Paris that are seeing an increase in cycling also have a lot to learn from Dutch exp
    Read More
  • Infrastructure investment will help construction jobs
    February 23, 2012
    The construction equipment manufacturing industry has been hit hard by the recession worldwide. Profits for 2009 reveal the sharp drop in business that began escalating around the globe during the third quarter of 2008. The problems have been most acute in the market for compact utility equipment
    Read More
  • Congestion and safety concerns over Serbia’s roads
    February 23, 2012
    With traffic flows on the increase, Serbia needs to improve its road network and safety record, reports Gordon Feller. Serbia's road network needs to upgrade its road system against the backdrop of increased traffic flows. Serbia is crossed by segments of the important Trans European network (TEN). Corridor X with its branches Xb (Belgrade-Budapest) Xc (Nis-Sofia), and Xd (Nis-Presevo), represent the most important transit routes in the Republic, connecting Austria/Hungary, Slovenia/Croatia, and Bulgaria/Ma
    Read More

Highlighted Content