Excessive Speed Causing Upward Trend in Traffic Fatalities

After years of steady decline, the number of traffic-related deaths is increasing. Very soon, the number of traffic-related deaths will reach and exceed the past high numbers, if nothing happens to interfere with this trend. The past reductions in traffic fatalities were brought about by a number of actions. Reductions occurred because legislatures enacted laws addressing alcohol consumption and driving, and new legislation required the use of vehicle safety belts. Law enforcement’s coordinated efforts reduced the number of alcohol-involved crashes and gained a high level of compliance with safety belt laws.