Road Deaths Remain Stubbornly High

• June 18th, 2019

Statement by Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Executive Director Jonathan Adkins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 36,750 people were killed on U.S. roadways in 2018, a one percent decrease from 2017.

While any drop in the overall numbers is encouraging, the ongoing daily carnage on our nation’s roads eliminates any sense of celebration. We can – and must – do more collectively to accelerate this downward momentum.

Especially alarming is the continued increase in the number of pedestrians and pedalcyclists killed. These numbers are projected to be up four percent and 10 percent, respectively, in 2018. GHSA noted this pedestrian fatality increase earlier this year in an Association report. We need to bolster efforts to protect these road users, who are most susceptible to serious injuries and death when struck by motor vehicles.

Improving the built environment to prioritize safety, passing and enforcing strong laws, and continuing to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities as road users are all paramount as we move toward zero deaths on America’s roads.

Released on June 17, 2019

Contact: Madison Forker, 202-580-7930