CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The National Safety Council estimates that more than 42,000 people died in traffic crashes last year, an eight percent increase over 2019, and the pandemic is getting some blame.
Logic would suggest that fewer people on the roads would lead to fewer traffic deaths, but the NSC said open roads invite excessive speeding, and that’s being blamed for the increase in traffic deaths.
"It is tragic that in the U.S., we took cars off the roads and didn't reap any safety benefits," said President and CEO of the National Safety Council Lorraine Martin.
Police have been talking about an increase in excessive speeding and reckless driving since early in the pandemic, including Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel.
"I think that's one of the things that is being taken advantage of...it's no secret that law enforcement is not doing as much traffic enforcement now," he said.
"And so I've seen the speeds go way up, and so have my officers."
Chief Weitzel a few months into the pandemic was predicting what we’re now seeing.
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The Illinois numbers are still being compiled, but the estimate from the Illinois Department of Transportation is more than 1,100 traffic deaths - a 16-percent increase over 2019, and the most since 2007.