US fatalities resume decline, following last year’s rise

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published an early estimate of the number of US fatalities in the first half of 2013, predicting a decrease of around 4.2% as compared to the 16,150 fatalities that were projected to have occurred in the first half of 2012.

If accurate, this figure would correct the course of highway fatality figures, which were on a steady decline – reaching an all-time low in 2011 - until they reversed last year, with an estimated increase in roadway deaths of 8.2%.