Early estimates of traffic deaths in the US last year is below 40,000 for the first time since 2020.
The projected figures from the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have revealed almost 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024.
This represents a decrease of about 3.8% compared to the 40,901 fatalities reported in 2023.
“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 reduce fatalities further, USDOT is working closely to partner with the law enforcement community to enhance traffic enforcement on our roads, including speeding, impairment, distraction, and lack of seatbelt use.”
The 2024 early estimates show trends in line with 2023, with Americans driving more miles while fatality rates continued to decrease.
Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration shows vehicle miles traveled increased by 1%, while the fatality rate for 2024 decreased to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled — the lowest since 2019, but still above the average rate of 1.13 in the seven years before COVID.
