According to abcnews.go.com, based on preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council, the upward trend of motor vehicle deaths that began in late 2014 has continued to surge through the first half of 2016.

The non-profit group, using data from state authorities, said deaths on U.S. roadways since January have increase nine percent from the same period last year and 18 percent from two years ago.

The council estimates that 19,100 people have died and 2.2 million people were injured in motor vehicles from January to the end of June.

2015 marked the largest year over year increase in vehicle related deaths in 50 years, according to the council.  The council warns that the grim trend is not showing any signs of improvement

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