Congressional Panel Confronts NHTSA as Traffic Deaths Hit Alarming Levels

Roadway Fatalities Keep Climbing, and Now Washington Is Under Pressure to Act

You get in your car expecting to arrive safely. But in 2025, that basic hope feels more like a gamble. Over 42,000 people died on our roads in 2022 alone — a shocking 30% increase since 2014. And the agency responsible for keeping drivers safe, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is being called out for sitting on the sidelines while this crisis grows worse.

On June 26, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade pulled no punches. They grilled NHTSA over its slow response to this deadly trend. David Harkey, President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), didn’t mince words. He said in his written testimony that NHTSA is “failing to meet the moment” — putting American lives at risk.

Why Are More People Dying on Our Roads?

The numbers are hard to ignore. Traffic deaths climbed from just under 33,000 in 2014 to more than 42,000 in 2022, despite better cars, more safety campaigns, and advanced tech. This spike isn’t happening everywhere; out of 29 wealthy countries, the U.S. has the worst fatality rate, being more than double the average.

Even worse, the most vulnerable — pedestrians, motorcyclists, and typical drivers — are paying the highest price, especially in congested regions like Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Why Your Daily Drive Is Suddenly Dangerous

Think about the last time you drove to work or ran a quick errand—did you ever worry about what the car next to you was doing? Today, every trip feels like walking a tightrope. You’ve got:

• Distracted drivers scrolling through apps.
• Outdated safety laws that leave showroom‑fresh cars without the latest lifesaving tech.
• Semi‑trucks and other large commercial vehicles without modern underride guards that can turn a seemingly minor crash into a fatal accident.
• “Smart” driver‑assist systems—meant to help—often confuse more than they protect, dumping you out of cruise control at the worst possible moment.

A routine merge, or a quick turn into your neighborhood, is no longer second nature. Now, every trip down Maple Street or on the D.C. Beltway is a leap of faith.

The Rules That Could Save Your Life—If They Existed

David Harkey laid out simple, proven steps that could save thousands of lives — but have been stuck in red tape for years:

• Require anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on every motorcycle — a technology that cuts fatal crashes by 22%. Countries around the world have already made this a rule.
• Mandate technology to stop impaired driving, which could save nearly 11,000 lives each year.
• Set tougher safety rules for big trucks and semi-trailers, including stronger underride guards to prevent deadly crashes.
• Clear guidelines on driver-assist and automated vehicle tech — so drivers know exactly what their cars can and cannot do, preventing deadly confusion.

These aren’t sci‑fi proposals; they’re proven lifesavers gathering dust in bureaucratic red tape while more families pay the price.

When the System Drops the Ball, Who’s Left Holding the Pieces?

What some people fail to grasp is that every number is a person — someone’s loved one, parent, sibling, or friend. As NHTSA delays, victims are hit with sky-high medical bills and lost income, while insurance companies push to pay crash victims the bare minimum.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you know how it goes: insurance adjusters calling nonstop, endless paperwork, and constant pressure to settle fast, even when their offer isn’t nearly enough to cover your losses.

Injured in a Crash? Who’s Fighting for You?

With traffic deaths soaring and safety fixes stalled, are you ready if you or a loved one gets hurt in an accident?

At the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC, we’ve seen how overwhelming this battle can be. Attorney Stuart L. Plotnick spent years defending insurance companies—learning their tactics inside and out. Now, with over 25 years of trial experience, he uses that insider knowledge to fight fiercely for you, not for the insurers.

We know what it takes to stand up to powerful insurance companies and secure the results injured clients and their families need to move forward.

• Millions recovered for clients in car, truck, pedestrian, and motorcycle accidents
• Justice won for families facing brain injuries and wrongful death
• Relentless advocacy to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC to see how an experienced Rockville car accident lawyer can help you. We’re ready to fight for you, every step of the way.

"When a family member was seriously injured in a traffic accident, we were overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. This law firm made all the difference. From day one, the Stuart was not only highly skilled but also genuinely caring and personally invested in our case." — Deb, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐