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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its early estimates for traffic fatalities in 2024, projecting that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes. This figure reflects a 3.8% decrease from the 40,901 fatalities reported in 2023, marking the first time since 2020 that annual traffic deaths have dropped below 40,000. This decline extends a consistent downward trend that began in the second quarter of 2022, with 11 consecutive quarters of reduced fatalities.
Key Highlights:
- 39,345 projected traffic fatalities in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from 2023.
- First time since 2020 that fatalities are below 40,000.
- 11th consecutive quarterly decrease in traffic fatalities.
- Americans drove more miles in 2024, yet the fatality rate fell to 1.20 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the lowest since 2019.
- Fatalities decreased in 35 states and Puerto Rico, increased in 14 states and D.C., and remained unchanged in one state.
- Final 2023 data shows 40,901 fatalities, a 4.3% decrease from 42,721 in 2022, with a fatality rate of 1.26 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
While the reduction is a positive sign, NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser emphasized that challenges persist. “It’s encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs,” Simshauser stated. “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 address this, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is collaborating with law enforcement to tackle issues like speeding, impairment, distraction, and lack of seatbelt use.
In 2024, despite a 1% increase in vehicle miles traveled, the fatality rate dropped to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the lowest since 2019. However, this rate exceeds the pre-COVID average of 1.13 from the seven years before the pandemic. Regionally, 35 states and Puerto Rico saw declines in fatalities, while 14 states and the District of Columbia experienced increases, and one state showed no change.
The NHTSA also finalized its 2023 data, reporting 40,901 traffic deaths, down 4.3% from 42,721 in 2022. The 2023 fatality rate was 1.26 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, a 6% improvement from 1.34 in 2022. These consistent declines highlight progress, yet the NHTSA stresses the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and further reduce preventable deaths across the nation.
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