Traffic deaths will continue to increase unless cities prioritize humans over cars. In 2015, a staggering 35,092 people were killed on U.S. streets?a 7.2% increase from 2014. According to a report out this week, this year is on track to be even deadlier: Based on preliminary data, the National Safety Council predicts the number of traffic deaths has already increased an additional 9% percent in the first six months of 2016.
Sadly, cities are seeing evidence of this trend first-hand on their sidewalks and crosswalks. In New York City, 16 cyclists have already been killed this year, more than the number of cyclists killed in all of 2015.

National Safety Council
The number of traffic deaths are estimated to be 9% higher this year
The reason for the increase in traffic deaths is simple: Americans are driving more than ever. Vehicle miles traveled, or VMT, reached an all-time high in 2015, and the country is on track to exceed that record in 2016. Cheap gas, poor transit options, and a lack of affordable housing that forces people to live far from their jobs will continue to make this problem worse. (And cars are also responsible for another public health crisis; transportation is now the fastest-growing cause of deadly emissions.)
Traffic fatalities are still lower than they were in the 1960s and 70s, before seat belt laws and stricter speed limits. But after this most recent jump in deaths, that gap is closing.

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