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9/22/22, 8:31 AM 2020 Fatality Data Show Increased Traffic Fatalities During Pandemici NHTSA <br />There are a few categories that are projected to have decreases in fatalities in 2020. Fatalities in <br />crashes involving a large truck (commercial or non-commercial use) are projected to decline <br />marginally (down 2o*). Fatalities among older persons (65+ years of age) are projected to decline <br />by about 9 percent. <br />Special Reports: <br />Last summer, recognizing the unique circumstances, NHTSA researchers began compiling <br />additional data from a wide variety of sources to enhance understanding of what was happening <br />on the roadways during the pandemic. This research led to a series of special reports, including <br />two being issued today: Early Estimates of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate by Sub- <br />Cateqories in 2020 and Update to Special Reports on Trafftc Saret.y During the COVID-1 9 Public <br />Health Emerqency: Fourth Quarter Data. These update earlier reports released in October 2019, <br />Druq and Alcohol Prevalence in Seriously and Fatall.y Injured Road Users Before and During the <br />C0VID-19 Public Health Emerqency, and Examination of the Traffic Safety Environment Durinq the <br />Second Quarter of 2020: Special Report and January's Update to Special Reports on Traffic Safety <br />Durinq the COVID-1 9 Public Health Emergency. <br />NHTSA's research suggests that throughout the national public health emergency and associated <br />lockdowns, driving patterns and behaviors changed significantly, and that drivers who remained on <br />the roads engaged in more risky behavior, including speeding, failing to wear seat belts, and driving <br />under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Traffic data indicates that average speeds increased <br />throughout the year, and examples of extreme speeds became more common, while the evidence <br />also shows that fewer people involved in crashes used their seat belts. <br />* amended to reflect 2020 estimates <br />Contact: <br />NHTSA <br />NHTSA Media <br />NHTSAmedia@dot.gov <br />202-366-9550 <br />https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2020-fatality-data-show-increased-traffic-fatalities-during-pandemic 3/4