National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy issued the following statement Tuesday:

“I am saddened but not surprised by the double-digit increase in motor vehicle traffic fatalities announced today by NHTSA.

“Since the start of the pandemic, roadway deaths have increased — an entirely preventable trend that should outrage every person in the United States.

“While the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent commitment to zero fatalities is certainly welcome, it’s of no consolation to the families of the estimated 31,720 people who died in the first nine months of 2021.

“NTSB is again calling on stakeholders at all levels to act immediately. Using the Safe System Approach will save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.”

NTSB has placed adoption of the Safe System Approach on its Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements. More information: https://go.usa.gov/xtn5P

A Feb. 17 NTSB roundtable hosted by Chair Homendy will discuss how post-crash care based on the Safe System Approach will save lives on our roads. More information: https://go.usa.gov/xtmAB 

To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).