U.S. traffic deaths rose 7.7% in 2015 over the previous year to 35,200, the highest number of people killed on U.S. roads since 2008, the government's preliminary estimate reviewed by Reuters shows.
The report was compiled by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and submitted to Congress. It shows the percentage increase in traffic deaths in 2015 was the highest annual jump since 1966. U.S. officials cite an increase in vehicle miles traveled, lower gas prices and an improving economy as part of the reason for the increase.
The rise in traffic deaths was significantly higher than the overall 3.5% increase in U.S. vehicle miles traveled in 2015.
The fatality rate rose to 1.12 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in 2015—the highest rate since 2010.
The report said deaths among bicyclists rose 13%, pedestrians 10% and motorcyclists 9%. Fatal crashes involving young drivers were up 10%.
The increase in deaths in 2015—2,525 more deaths than in 2014—is one reason why U.S. officials are working to provide guidance this summer to states and automakers on the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
NHTSA says the technology could dramatically decrease traffic deaths—in part because 94% of all road deaths are attributed to driver error.
