U.S. traffic deaths spike despite pandemic — and these states had the highest increase

(CBS News, March 4) Though fewer Americans were on the road last year due to the nationwide pandemic, there was an 8% increase in deadly car crashes that year compared to 2019, according to a recently released report from the National Safety Council.  This marks the first time in four years that fatal crashes have gone up. 

In addition, tests revealed a rise in alcohol, marijuana and opioid use in the patients involved in crashes, Ken Kolosh, the safety council's manager of statistics, said. 

"The pandemic appears to be taking our eyes off the ball when it comes to traffic safety," he said. 
 
The following states saw a significant (+15%) increase in vehicle deaths in 2020:  

• Arkansas (+26%) 

• Connecticut (+22%) 

• District of Columbia (+33%) 

• Georgia (+18%) 

• Mississippi (+19%) 

• Rhode Island (+26%) 

• South Dakota (+33%) 

• Vermont (+32%) 

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