JACKSON, Wyo. — Traffic fatalities for 2021 show that an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents nationwide. These metrics were up 10.5% compared to 2020, according to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While nationally fatalities were up, Wyoming was among five states that reported a decrease in vehicle-related fatalities in 2021 compared to 2020.

In 2020, 127 fatalities were reported in Wyoming, compared to 113 reported in 2021, an 11% decrease. Idaho reported the largest increase in fatalities in the nation in 2021 compared to 2020 with a 33.6% increase.

“This crisis on our roads is urgent and preventable,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator. “We will redouble our safety efforts, and we need everyone – state and local governments, safety advocates, automakers, and drivers – to join us. All of our lives depend on it.” 

According to the report, 2021 had the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the
highest annual percentage increase in the recorded history of data in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.