Over 38,800 people killed in traffic crashes nationwide — highest level in over a decade
More than 38,800 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2020 in the U.S., the highest number of fatalities since 2007, according to data released Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Both Kansas and Missouri also saw an increase in traffic deaths. In Missouri, 987 people were killed in wrecks, up 12% from 2019. Meanwhile, Kansas saw 426 lives lost in crashes, up 3.9%.
When the number of miles driven is factored in, Missouri’s traffic fatality rate per 100 million traveled was 1.36 in 2020, up 22.5% from 1.11 in 2019. Kansas saw its rate jump 18.6% from 1.29 in 2019 to 1.53 in 2020. Nationwide, the fatality rate increased to 1.34 in 2020, up 21% in 2019.
The increase in deaths came at a time that the overall number of police-reported crashes plummeted and people were traveling less. The number of crashes dropped by 22% in 2020, when compared to 2019. The number of people injured also declined by 17%. The number of miles travel fell by 11%.
Despite that decline, the number of fatal crashes increased increased 6.8% nationwide.
“The rising fatalities on our roadways are a national crisis; we cannot and must not accept these deaths as inevitable,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release. “People should leave the house and know they’re going to get to their destination safely.”
The data showed that in 45% of fatal crashes nationwide, speeding, alcohol impairment or not wearing a seat belt were listed as contributing factors.
An analysis this week by The Star identified 13 intersections in the Kansas City area that were among the deadliest in the metro. Two of those were Bruce R. Watkins Drive and Gregory Boulevard and the Three Trails Crossing, formerly known as the Grandview Triangle, which each recorded five deaths in the past two years.
This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 11:45 AM.
