U.S. roads have taken a deadlier turn to a degree we haven’t seen in nearly five decades.
For years, statistics surrounding road safety had seen a vast improvement. But now that’s changed.
In 2015, there were 35,092 reported deaths on U.S. roads, up 7.2% from 2014 — the largest jump since 1966. Meanwhile, the National Safety Council said last week 2016 is on track to be even worse. Fatalities were up 9% in the first half of the year.
The federal government on Monday issued what it called an unprecedented call to action to determine what’s gone wrong.
So what can we blame for this sudden reversal? Some of the answers from experts might surprise you: smartphone use, fracking — a trendy method of drilling for oil — climate change and a strong economy all play a role.
Dispatches From The Front 