Skip to Content
Streetsblog Massachusetts home
Streetsblog Massachusetts home
Log In
Crashes

2021 Was A Record-Breaking Year For Deaths on Massachusetts Roadways

A makeshift memorial to Marshall Mac, a 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran, who died after a hit-and-run driver struck him on McGrath Highway near Foss Park in Somerville.

A makeshift memorial to Marshall Mac, a 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran, who died after a hit-and-run driver struck him on McGrath Highway near Foss Park in Somerville.

At least 408 people died in crashes in Massachusetts during 2021, making it the deadliest year on Massachusetts roadways in over a decade, according to MassDOT.

The victims included 76 people who were on foot or in a wheelchair when they were killed by a car, and 5 bicyclists.

MassDOT does not record victims' names, but from other news reports, we know that the lives lost include Gayle Ball, a Springfield librarian, killed while crossing the street outside her workplace in November, and Michael Diaz Vargas, 40, killed by another driver on the same street a few days before.

There was also Charles Braun, a Northampton musician, who was killed while riding his bike when a driver allegedly distracted by a video chat killed him with her car outside Northampton High School.

And there was Marshall Mac, a 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran, killed by a hit-and-run driver on McGrath Highway near Foss Park in Somerville.

There were additionally 2,260 crashes that caused serious injuries, and over 25,000 crashes that caused minor or possible injuries over the course of 2021.

While high, the number of injury-causing crashes were down slightly for 2021 compared to 2019, before the pandemic, according to MassDOT's crash database.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Massachusetts

Boston City Council Seeks Oversight of Mayor’s Transportation Agenda

A hearing order from City Council President Liz Breadon warns that "continued delays to the advancement of these transportation projects could jeopardize an estimated $200 million in public investment."

March 16, 2026

Globe Report Implicates Mayor Michelle Wu In Street Safety, Transit Project Cancellations

The mayor's about-face on street safety initiatives has already cost the City of Boston millions of dollars in lost federal funding.

March 16, 2026

Trump’s Oil Crisis Is Already Costing Massachusetts Drivers Over $2.4 Million A Day In Higher Gas Prices

Massachusetts drivers are now cumulatively spending $20.9 million a day at the pump – more than twice the daily cost of operating the entire MBTA system.

March 13, 2026

Guest Column: South Station Is Not An Adequate Emergency Shelter

There are numerous other public buildings nearby that offer better adaptability, dignity, and safety for unhoused residents.

March 11, 2026
See all posts