The number of preventable traffic deaths in the U.S. remained largely unchanged in 2024, with a preliminary estimate of 44,680 fatalities -- just 82 fewer than the previous year -- according to new data released by the National Safety Council (NSC).
While the national figure reflects a decline of less than 1%, the state-level data reveals troubling disparities. Six states and the District of Columbia experienced double-digit increases in motor vehicle deaths, led by Maine with a 38% rise and California with a 34% spike. Other significant increases were seen in Alaska (+23%), Oklahoma (+21%), Minnesota (+14%), New Jersey (+12%) and the District of Columbia (+11%).
“There is still critical work needed to make our roadways safer,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. “Without significant changes, potential danger will continue to pose ongoing risks to the millions of Americans who rely on our roads daily.”
Conversely, 10 states saw notable improvements, with double-digit declines in fatalities. Rhode Island experienced the largest reduction at 26%, followed closely by Wyoming (-25%), North Dakota (-20%), Vermont (-17%), Idaho and Kansas (both -14%), Georgia (-12%), and Florida and Tennessee (both -11%).
NSC attributes much of the persistent roadway risk to dangerous driving behaviors, including distracted, impaired and speeding drivers. As Distracted Driving Awareness Month approaches in April, NSC is calling on all road users to remain focused and attentive behind the wheel.
To combat the crisis, NSC continues to promote adoption of safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking, advanced impaired driving prevention systems, speed safety cameras and intelligent speed assistance.
The organization also advocates for implementation of the Safe System Approach -- a comprehensive framework focused on safer roads, speeds, vehicles, people and post-crash care. The strategy, NSC said, requires strong collaboration among government agencies, infrastructure providers, emergency responders and safety advocates.
NSC further urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop an actionable plan addressing vulnerable road users and ensuring coordination with other federal departments to support enforcement, substance use treatment, worker protection and funding efforts.
Fatality estimates are based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The NSC has been calculating national traffic fatality estimates since 1913.
