SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Pedestrian-involved crashes continue to occur in our region, and new numbers tonight show that traffic fatalities across the country are trending down.
The pandemic has caused a spike in traffic fatalities across the United States, but there are now signs that the number may be on the decline.
Approximately 42,500 people died in traffic accidents in the United States in 2022, but the number decreased further the following year, with data showing that the number of traffic fatalities in 2023 is approximately 41,000.
Mark Schieldrop with AAA Northeast told 22News, “Let's make sure everyone is trying to slow down outside and be mindful of the fact that it's dangerous while driving.”
When it comes to our state, data shows 348 people died on Massachusetts roads last year, down from 434 deaths in 2022. Experts from AAA Northeast attribute the decline to increased police efforts and increased awareness of the dangers. Driving behavior.
But while this is progress, experts also say more needs to be done to bring the numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.
“Policymakers need to continue working on legislation that improves road safety,” Seildrop said. “There's a lot we can do in the short term to improve road safety across the state. Road designers and city planners are starting to think seriously about reconfiguring our roads to prevent tragedies.”
Seildrop added that year-to-date, Massachusetts is already trending better than in 2023.
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Kristina D'Amours is a reporter who is part of the evening 22News team.to follow Christina from X @KristinaD_WWLP Check out her bio to see more of her work.