According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,630 people lost their lives on the nation's highways during the first three months of 2012, marking a sharp 13.5 percent increase over the same period a year earlier. The news comes close on the heels of a report that traffic deaths in the U.S. fell to their lowest levels since 1949 in 2011.
"While it is likely not the only factor involved, AAA agrees that warmer-than-average winter weather may have contributed to higher vehicle miles traveled, and ultimately more fatal crashes," Jacob Nelson, director of traffic safety advocacy and research with the Automobile Association of America, told CNN. "These data show there is more work to be done to improve driver safety such as limiting distractions, reducing impaired driving and promoting a culture of safety among motorists."
The first quarter of the year traditionally has fewer traffic fatalities than the subsequent three quarters. This year's spike is believed to be the biggest year-on-year increase since the NHTSA began recording traffic fatalities in 1975.
First quarter fatalities had been on the decline since hitting a recent high of 9,558 in 2006.
