The Detroit News. The statistics could change when final results are compiled in May.
Some analysts blame a spike in the number of motorcycle-related deaths.
Other experts cite an ongoing shift among U.S. consumers from cars to sport-utility vehicles and other light trucks, which are more prone to rollover accidents. Seat-belt use is a continuing concern. As disappointing as they are, the numbers would be much worse if the automakers had not been producing safer cars. The biggest increase in traffic fatalities in 2000 came among motorcycle riders. Alcohol use remained the largest single factor associated with traffic deaths.