AVIA Statement on NHTSA’s Unprecedented Crash Fatalities Report

Washington, D.C. - The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) issued the following statement after NHTSA released crash data for 2021 showing the largest annual spike in motor vehicle fatalities:

“Today, NHTSA released the most sobering crash report since the inception of the traffic fatality tracking system in 1975: almost 43,000 lives lost last year. The unprecedented spike in fatalities in 2021, coupled with the climb in risky driving behaviors since 2020, provide a reminder of why the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry is dedicated to developing and deploying lifesaving technology,” said Ariel Wolf, general counsel for AVIA. “AVs – which do not speed, become impaired or get distracted – can help radically improve safety on American roadways. AVIA stands ready to work with NHTSA, USDOT and Congress to support the development and expansion of AVs to promote safer roads in this country.”