[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) show that 2021 is poised to see a sharp increase in fatal vehicle incidents, continuing a troubling trend from 2020.\u00a0 In 2020, car crashes resulting in fatalities increased by about 7.5 percent over 2019 numbers, even with the pandemic reducing overall driving mileage by 13 percent.\u00a0 And in the first half of 2021, car-involved fatalities increased by 16 percent over the same period in 2020.\u00a0 If the increase remains the same, fatal car crashes could be at their highest level since 2006.<\/p>\n
The increase in fatal car crashes during the pandemic, even with reduced levels of traffic, is attributed to more aggressive and reckless driving.\u00a0 More drivers traveled at excessive speed<\/a> due to the reduced traffic, with many more choosing to drive while intoxicated or without seat belts, resulting in more serious and fatal injuries in car crashes.\u00a0 But even as traffic has returned to normal levels, the number of fatal crashes continues to rise.\u00a0 It is unknown why this trend has not reversed yet.<\/p>\n See the full news story here<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are several solutions to reducing the number of fatal accidents, some of which have been demonstrated as effective in other parts of the country and the world.\u00a0 Most of the solutions involve lowering the speed at which vehicles drive, including lower speed limits, speed trap cameras, roundabouts, and road diets.\u00a0 Los Angeles is one of the major cities participating in Vision Zero, with the goal of reducing traffic deaths to zero by 2025.\u00a0 Los Angeles County is also participating, but with the goal of zero traffic deaths by 2035.\u00a0 While the progress of Vision Zero in Los Angeles<\/a> has not yet proven to be effective, it continues to be implemented.<\/p>\n