Nearly 43,000 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2021, the highest number in 16 years. The final numbers were released last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, confirming earlier estimates showing a 10.5 percent increase in deaths over 2020. Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s captain Bill Tadych says traffic fatalities in Fond du Lac County were slightly lower in 2021. But Tadych says there was an increase last year and the first three months of 2023. The report cited distraction, speeding and alcohol were all factors in the increase. Fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers were up 14 percent. Data shows a 12 percent rise in fatal crashes involving at least one distracted driver. The number of pedestrians killed rose 13 percent, while deaths of unbelted passengers were up 8.1 percent.
