Traffic fatalities hit an unfortunate milestone in 2021 as the U.S. saw a 16-year high in roadway deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

The NHTSA reported the additional fatality increases from 2020 to 2021:

  • Fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes up 16%
  • Fatalities on urban roads up 16%
  • Pedestrian fatalities up 13%
  • Daytime fatalities up 11%
  • Motorcyclist fatalities up 9%

While a number of factors were at play, including an increase in motorists on the road, could stress have played a role?

Studies have found that anger can be positively correlated with "negative cognitive/emotional" driving, aggressive driving and risky driving. While stress plays a role in causing dangerous driving, certain personality traits can reduce the effects stress has on driving behavior.

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Steve Hallo

Steve Hallo is managing editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. He can be reached at [email protected]

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