Traffic deaths increased 14% in the first six months of the year according to data by the National Safety Council, the Associated Press reported.
About 19,000 people across the country died in traffic accidents through June, not including two of the historically highest months for traffic deaths, July and August, AP reported.
"As a safety professional, it's not just disappointing but heartbreaking to see the numbers trending in the wrong direction," council President Deborah Hersman told AP.
Traffic deaths this year could exceed 40,000 for the first time since 2007 if the trend continues, Hersman said.
Americans drove 1.26 trillion miles in the first five months of the year, passing the previous record of 1.23 trillion set in May 2007, the U.S. Department of Transportation said last month.
Given the stronger economy, lower unemployment and low gas prices, "We have expected an uptick in travel and, sadly, deaths," Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, told AP.
"The increase is definitely troubling," Adkins said. "But after such historic declines in recent years, it's not unexpected to see an upswing."
