US Traffic Deaths Are a ‘Growing Public Health Crisis,’ NTSB Chair Says

Jennifer Homendy highlighted an alarming rise in U.S. road deaths in the past few decades, calling for a better approach to achieve zero fatalities.

Traffic at twilight along 42nd Street in the Manhattan borough of New York City on March 27, 2019. Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Car accident fatalities are reaching the level of a public health crisis in the United States, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy said, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change during a meeting on Nov. 19.

“There is no doubt we are in the midst of a growing public health crisis on our roads,” Homendy said.