Rise in U.S. Traffic Deaths Explained by Motorcycle and Pedestrian Fatalities

The Insurance Journal recently reported somber news in regards to a rise in U.S. traffic deaths. Specifically, the announcement stated that traffic deaths in the U.S. reached their highest levels since 1990. Interestingly, the increase in fatalities is attributed to an increase in motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities.

In regards to motorcycles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fatalities rose for the 8th straight year, increasing 13% since 2004. 4,553 motorcyclists died in 2005, compared with 4,028 in 2004. Sadly, the report sends us a simple reminder with the fact that “Nearly half of the people who died were not wearing helmets.”

According to the same report, 43,443 people were killed on the highways last year, up 1.4 percent from 42,836 in 2004. The fatality rate also grew slightly to 1.47 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, an increase from 1.45 in 2004. It was the first increase in the fatality rate since 1986. Pedestrian deaths increased from 4,675 in 2004 to 4,881 in 2005. NHTSA said it was investigating the increase to try to learn what led to the growth.