New Mexico Leads in Unbuckled Passenger Fatalities and Pedestrian Deaths
New Mexico has recently received a shocking report revealing a concerning trend in motor vehicle crashes. According to the report presented to lawmakers, a staggering 64% of crash fatalities in the state involve unbuckled passengers. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for improved seat belt usage and enforcement measures.
The report also revealed that New Mexico currently tops the list of states with the highest rate of pedestrian deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes, standing at a rate of 23% in 2021. Jessica Bloom, a geospatial and population researcher from the University of New Mexico, emphasized the state’s high pedestrian fatality rate during her testimony to lawmakers. The report, compiled by the university’s Geospatial and Population Studies Department, provides a comprehensive view of crashes resulting in deaths, injuries, or significant damages.
It is worth noting that the report specifically excludes motor vehicle accidents stemming from natural causes or suicide. Therefore, the data mainly focuses on crashes directly caused by traffic-related factors. In 2021 alone, New Mexico experienced a total of 40,769 traffic crashes on public roads.
Out of the total number of crashes, 105 pedestrians lost their lives at the hands of motorists. This highlights the dire need for increased vigilance and awareness while navigating the roads. Lawmakers expressed their concerns about the significant number of pedestrian deaths, but they were equally surprised by the high number of crash fatalities involving unbuckled passengers. Despite seat belt usage being mandatory in the state, 184 unbelted individuals lost their lives in crashes in 2021. Preliminary data for 2022 suggests a similar trend, with an estimated 180 deaths thus far.
Several lawmakers raised questions about the frequency of seat belt citations issued by law enforcement officials. Rep. Gail Armstrong, for instance, stated that it is illegal not to wear a seat belt and expressed a desire to understand how often motorists are cited for this offense.
During the testimony, Rep. Jenifer Jones shared a distressing anecdote about a crash involving a grandmother who ensured her granddaughter was buckled up but neglected to do the same for herself. As a result, the grandmother landed on top of her granddaughter, causing serious injuries. Jones emphasized the need for individuals to consider the safety of all vehicle occupants by wearing seat belts.
Law enforcement officials and the American Automobile Association (AAA) representatives echoed these concerns and urged all drivers and passengers to buckle up. Officer Ray Wilson of the New Mexico State Police stated that statistics consistently show the significant safety enhancement provided by proper seat belt use. He stressed the importance of wearing seat belts to minimize the risk of severe or fatal injuries during crashes.
Daniel Armbruster, a spokesperson for AAA Texas/New Mexico, emphasized the role of seat belts in reducing the odds of injury or death in collisions. Neglecting to fasten seat belts can lead to ejection from the vehicle during a crash, often resulting in fatalities.
Nationally, a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that about 50% of the 26,325 people killed in vehicular crashes in 2021 were not using seat belts. This concerning statistic further emphasizes the need for greater seat belt awareness and enforcement measures.
Sen. Bill Tallman, who chairs the committee, expressed his concern about the seat belt statistics and speculated on the potential causes for this trend. He wondered whether increased stress from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic might be contributing to decreased attention while driving. However, no concrete answers were provided during the hearing.
Interestingly, while texting may not play a significant role in crashes, distracted driving remains a broader concern. The report’s authors noted that texting was only reportedly involved in around 40 crashes per year out of approximately 40,000 incidents. However, it is important to note that drivers involved in non-fatal crashes may not always truthfully disclose their distracted behaviors, simply stating that they looked away for a moment.
Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, was highlighted as having the second-highest pedestrian fatality rate among cities with populations over 500,000. However, specific pedestrian fatality rates for Albuquerque and Memphis were not provided during the hearing.
These distressing statistics call for renewed efforts to promote and enforce seat belt usage in New Mexico. Additionally, greater attention to pedestrian safety and distracted driving must be prioritized to prevent further loss of life on the state’s roadways. Ultimately, increased awareness, accountability, and adherence to safety measures can make a significant difference in preventing tragedies on the road.
