The overall number of auto related deaths have dropped to their lowest level since 1949 according to federal safety officials this week. Fatalities of truck drivers and bicyclists have gone up since 2011 however.
The number of drivers who have died driving large trucks in 2012 went up 20 percent in the last year according to the Associated Press. The number of bicyclist who have died while on the road has gone up 8.7 percent as well. Overall road fatalities have gone down 1.9 percent in the U.S., which equals around 32,370 people compared to last year.
"The increase in bicycle deaths probably reflects more people riding bicycles to work and for pleasure," said Jonathan Adkins, deputy executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association to the Associated Press.
An increase in truck related deaths on the road is a little harder to understand according to Adkins. One reason could be because the economy has improved slightly, meaning more trucks are returning to the road to deliver goods.
Experts also believe that an increase in speed limits among states could be a reason deaths among truck drivers and bicyclists have increased. Texas recently increased the speed limit for Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio to 85 mph.
"Our culture is beginning to move away from driving and toward healthier and greener modes of transportations," Adkins said to the Associated Press. "We need to be able to accommodate all these forms of transportation safely."
Click here to read more about the Texas highway speed limit increase.
The increase in motorcycle related deaths is the 13th time in the last 14 years that the number has gone up according to the Associated Press. The report also indicates that truck driving is one of the most "dangerous jobs in the country" due to long hours, stress and congestion on highways.
"There are more questions than answers about what is occurring here," Adkins said to the Associated Press.
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