WA Traffic Deaths Increased in 2022, As National Deaths Decreased

According to an early analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic deaths in Washington State during the first nine months of 2022 increased over 20% compared to the same time period in 2021. The trend is especially concerning when contrasted with the national average for the same time period, which shows a slight decrease of 0.2% in deaths nationwide. In fact, Washington was outpaced in traffic deaths only by Delaware and Nebraska, which saw increases of 23.9% and 23%, respectively.

The jury is still out as to the specific factors contributing to this deadly trend in Washington, and it will likely take months for officials to finish compiling and analyzing the data. According to an article from The Seattle Times, the rate of traffic deaths slowed somewhat during the last four months of 2022, although officials expect the state will still show an increase in deaths for the 4th consecutive year, once the final analysis is complete.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand that these numbers represent more than just alarming trends: they represent real lives lost, and an untold measure of human suffering. That’s why we take our work so seriously — we remain abreast of real-world events as they unfold, and we are always here to help accident victims recover the compensation they deserve, so they can heal and move on with their lives. Call our Seattle office today at (425) 786-2918 for a FREE consultation.