WASHINGTON, DC—According to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, traffic fatalities decreased by 3.8% in 2024, reaching a preliminary estimate of 39,345 deaths. This marks the first time since 2020 that the annual figure has fallen below 40,000. The decline in fatalities is a continuation of a trend that began in the second quarter of 2022, with the fourth quarter of 2024 marking the 11th consecutive quarterly decrease. Despite the positive trend, the NHTSA notes that traffic fatalities remain significantly higher than a decade ago. The fatality rate in the U.S. is also still higher compared to many other developed nations.
“It’s encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser. “Total road fatalities, however, remain significantly higher than a decade ago, and America’s traffic fatality rate remains high relative to many peer nations.” To further reduce fatalities, the USDOT works closely with law enforcement to improve traffic enforcement on our roads for speeding, impairment, distraction, and lack of seatbelt use.
Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration indicates that vehicle miles traveled increased by 1% in 2024. The fatality rate for the year decreased to 1.20 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, which is the lowest since 2019. However, this rate is still higher than the average rate of 1.13 recorded in the seven years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NHTSA’s early estimates indicate that fatalities decreased in 35 states and Puerto Rico in 2024, while increases are projected in 14 states and D.C. One state reported no change.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via Pixabay
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