U.S. traffic fatalities were up in 2001, reaching an 11-year high of more than 42,100 as motorists traveled 2.77 trillion miles. Overall traffic deaths totaled 42,116 last year, up 0.4% from the 41,945 reported in 2000.
Yearly estimates released by the U.S. DOT showed a clear reduction in overall injuries and child deaths, but little change in the number of alcohol-related fatalities. Pedestrian and motorcycle deaths rose.
"Though the loss of more than 42,000 people is unacceptable, the news about the nation's young people is positive," Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta said.
The number of motor vehicle crashes fell slightly to 6.32 million, with 37,795 involving at least one fatality, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
