Traffic crashes claimed 13% fewer lives in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, preliminary analysis by the National Safety Council has revealed.
An estimated 18,720 people died in traffic crashes from January to June.
“This decrease in traffic deaths represents tremendous progress and shows what’s possible when states and communities commit to proven safety strategies,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC.
“We’re seeing the results of states and localities implementing the Safe System Approach – focusing on safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, safer people and better post-crash care. This success demonstrates that when we work together using evidence-based solutions, we can save lives and make all road users safer.”
The results varied widely across states. Ten states and the District of Columbia achieved decreases of 20% or more: District of Columbia led with a -67% reduction, followed by California (-43%), Connecticut (-34%), Mississippi (-34%), Alaska (-31%), Delaware (-25%), Alabama (-21%), Kentucky (-21%), Vermont (-21%), Maryland (-20%) and Minnesota (-20%).
Four states, however, saw increases of 20% or more in traffic crash deaths: Hawaii (+46%), Oklahoma (+3%), Kansas (+30%) and West Virginia (+21%).
