Podcasts Other Slate Voice U.S. Traffic Fatalities Are on the Rise. But the Reason Why Is Controversial.

U.S. Traffic Fatalities Are on the Rise. But the Reason Why Is Controversial.

Published: Dec. 29, 2017, 11:05 p.m.

The U.S. has seen a 14-percent spike in roadway fatalities over the past two years. It\u2019s also seen the biggest back-to-back increase in motor vehicle\u2013related death rates per mile driven in more than 50 years and 37,461 lives lost by drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians in 2016 alone. What\u2019s to blame? Many experts, writers, and organizations are pointing to smartphone use and other tech-related distractions while driving as major culprits. Official statistics from the U.S.