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U.S. Traffic Fatalities Rose 8% in 2015

Traffic deaths in the U.S. last year climbed 8% to 35,200, the highest in seven years, Reuters reports, citing preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Traffic deaths in the U.S. last year climbed 8% to 35,200, the highest in seven years, Reuters reports, citing preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The percentage increase was the steepest since 1966, when nearly 51,000 people dies in traffic crashes. The fatality rate—which adjusts for miles driven—was five times as high then as it is today,

NHTSA attributes the upturn to greater travel spurred by low fuel prices and an improving economy. Last year’s fatality rate rose to a five-year high of 1.12 deaths per 100 million miles.

The agency’s report says traffic deaths jumped 13% for bicyclists, 10% for pedestrians and 9% for motorcyclists, according to Reuters.

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