SEATTLE — The road back-to-school is getting more dangerous. New numbers show a dramatic increase in the number of high school and college-age students dying in traffic crashes during back-to-school time. Washington state is seeing the second highest increase nationwide.
A new report from USA Today Blueprint details a dramatic increase in the number of young drivers between 16 and 24 years old who are killed in traffic crashes in August and September. Washington state saw a 77% increase between 2018 and 2021, the most recent year data is available.
Washington's 77% increase during that time is the second highest increase nationwide, according to the report.
"This is happening right in people's backyards,” said Nick VinZant, with USA Today Blueprint. “When we looked at the area of Seattle and the immediate area around Seattle, what we found is that a 33% increase in back-to-school deaths among 16- to 24-year-olds.”
