Surge in traffic deaths outpaces increase in travel

Report finds 8 percent increase in first 9 months of 2016

In this Dec. 27, 2016 file photo, emergency personnel work at the scene of a fatal multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound side of the Bronx Expressway in the Bronx section of New York. The government says traffic fatalities surged about 8 percent in the first nine months of last year, continuing an alarming upward spiral that began in late 2014. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the sharp increase comes at the same time Americans are putting more miles on the road than ever before. But the rise in deaths is outpacing the increase in travel. Vehicle miles traveled in the first nine months of 2016 increased about 3 percent. - photo by Associated Press

W fatalities — In this Dec. 27, 2016 file photo, emergency personnel work at the scene of a fatal multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound side of the Bronx Expressway in the Bronx section of New York. The government says traffic fatalities surged about 8 percent in the first nine months of last year, continuing an alarming upward spiral that began in late 2014. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the sharp increase comes at the same time Americans are putting more miles on the road than ever before. But the rise in deaths is outpacing the increase in travel. Vehicle miles traveled in the first nine months of 2016 increased about 3 percent. - photo by Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Traffic deaths surged about 8 percent in the first nine months of last year, continuing an alarming upward spiral that may be partially explained by more Americans on the roads due to the economic recovery, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates released Friday.The sharp increase comes as drivers are putting more miles on the road than ever, the government said. But the rise in deaths is outpacing the increase in travel. Vehicle miles traveled in the first nine months of 2016 rose about 3 percent.There were 27,875 deaths in the first three quarters of last year, compared to 25,808 deaths in the same period in 2015.Experts believe the increased travel is mostly a result of an improved economy and low gas prices.

Associated Press

Associated Press