Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Despite improvements in vehicle safety features, deaths on U.S. Roadways, continue to rise.
The Governor’s Highway Association has announced 6.590 people died on U.S. Roadways in 2019.
This is a 5% increase from 2018, and the highest number of deaths since 1988.
If preliminary data holds, the total number of pedestrian deaths from 2009-2019, could total the number of casualties, from the Vietnam War.
SUV’s are partly to blame, according to the study.
Larger, heavier vehicles, do more damage in crashes.
Other factors blamed in the study include more pedestrians dying at night, warmer temperatures prompting more nighttime activity, alcohol use and distracted driving.
The study also indicated 30 states saw increases in vehicular deaths.
New Mexico had the highest rate of deaths.
20 states did see decreases, with Vermont having the lowest number of roadway deaths.
Michigan, saw a 5% increase in roadway deaths from 2018.
