Combined Sources
(Boston, MA) Nearly as many people died on Massachusetts roads in 2020 as in 2019, even though traffic was lighter last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Boston Globe citing preliminary state figures reported that there were 334 traffic deaths in Massachusetts in 2020, compared to 337 in 2019. The roadway fatalities included 185 drivers and 33 passengers. The 50 pedestrian fatalities in 2020 were a significant decrease from 76 in 2019. The number of total crashes in the state during 2020 fell by more than 40,000. Officials say increased speeds, possibly due to lower traffic volume, are a likely factor.