Fatal Crashes across US up by More Than 5% in 2016 But…

Increase in Fatal Crashes in Connecticut is Far Worse

According to a new report released by the National Highway Safety Administration, fatal crashes were up more than 5% in 2016 as compared to 2015 but, according to AAA, the increase here in Connecticut was more than double that.

Analysis by AAA of crash data collected by UConn from the State Department of Transportation and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, there were 311 fatal crashes in 2016, up from 278 in 2015. That’s a jump of almost 12 percent.

“Of course this is troubling, but not surprising” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “Unfortunately, we can’t just point to one thing and fix it. There are a growing number of factors at play”.

According to the NHTSA report, distraction and drowsy driving fatalities were actually down. But fatal crashes caused by speeding, drunk driving and not wearing a seat belt continue to increase.

“These are not just numbers, they are lives. AAA and all of our traffic safety partners here in Connecticut will continue our efforts to reverse this troubling trend,” Parmenter says.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Connecticut.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.