WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) urges extra roadway safety awareness over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in light of recent increases in motor vehicle traffic fatalities. According to estimates released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities reached a sixteen-year-high in 2021, with motor vehicle crashes resulting in approximately 42,915 fatalities, an increase of 10.5 percent from 2020.
“As drivers kick off the official start of summer with Memorial Day road trips, America’s insurers encourage drivers to be safe when getting behind the wheel,” said Tamra Johnson, assistant vice president of public affairs at APCIA. As traffic deaths continue to increase, safe driving behaviors have become more important than ever to ensure safety on our roadways.
“Memorial Day also marks the time period known as the ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer,’ when fatal teen auto crashes increase dramatically. Despite efforts to educate drivers, including teens, about the dangers of unsafe driving behaviors, texting behind the wheel, speeding, and driving after using alcohol or other substances, are still the main causes of auto crashes.
“America’s insurers care about safety, first and foremost. By taking personal responsibility through safe driving habits and setting an example for our new teen drivers, more experienced drivers can make our roads safer for all drivers, passengers and pedestrians on America’s roadways and in our communities.”
AAA estimates that almost forty million Americans (39.2 million) are expected to travel fifty or more miles from their homes this Memorial day weekend, which is an increase of three million compared to last year. APCIA recommends following auto safety guidelines including refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana and avoiding distractions behind the wheel for a safe arrival.
Additionally, APCIA recommends parents talk to their teen drivers about taking proper precautions behind the wheel and creating safe driving habits early with Navigate to Safety: Roadmaps for Parents of Teen Drivers program, provided by the Insurance for Highway Safety.