U.S. traffic deaths up 10.5% in first quarter amid concerns of reckless driving

Sept. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. traffic deaths increased in the first quarter of 2021, indicating drivers are taking more risks despite driving less amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released Thursday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 8,730 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes within the first three months of 2021.

The rise in deaths represents an increase of 10.5% from the 7,900 deaths projected by the agency during the same period in 2020 and comes as data from the Federal Highway Administration showed that vehicle miles traveled decreased by 14.9 billion miles, or 2.1%, in the first three months of 2021.

Fatality rates per 100 million VMT rose to 1.26 up from 1.12 in the first quarter of 2020.

In June, the agency reported that motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States rose to a 13-year high for the entirety of 2020 despite VMT decreasing by 13.2%.

The NHTSA said the first quarter proved that the trend shown in the 2020 data that "drivers who remained on the road engaged in more risky behavior, including speeding, failing to wear seat belts and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol" continued to prevail.

"We must address the tragic loss of life we saw on the roads in 2020 by taking a transformational and collaborative approach to safety," acting NHTSA Administrator Dr. Steven Cliff said. "Everyone including those who design, operate, build and use the road system -- shares the responsibility for road safety."

In response to the data, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety called on Congress to pass the INVEST in America Act which would set deadlines for vehicle safety upgrades including automatic emergency braking.

"The surge in motor vehicle crash fatalities must serve as an urgent call to action for Congress and the Biden Administration," Cathy Chase, president of the group, said in a statement. "Requirements and performance standards for proven vehicle safety technology could be saving tens of thousands of lives each year. The needless deaths on our roads must -- and can -- be stopped."