38,680 people died on U.S. roads in 2020, the highest yearly total since 2007

• The fatality rate for 2020 was 1.37 deaths per 100 million miles, the highest since 2006.
• "NHTSA’s projections show significant increases in fatalities during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 as compared to the corresponding quarters of 2019," the agency noted.

What they're saying: "We intend to use all available tools to reverse these trends and reduce traffic fatalities and injuries," NHTSA Administrator Steven Cliff said in a news release.

• "Fewer Americans drove but those who did took more risks and had more fatal crashes," NHTSA said in an open letter to drivers in January.
• "It’s irresponsible and illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which not only puts your life at risk but the lives of others," the letter added.