The number of people killed in U.S. traffic crashes fell in 2024 to its lowest level since before the pandemic, with early estimates showing 39,345 fatalities -- a 3.8% decrease from the 40,901 deaths reported in 2023, according to new data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This marks the first time since 2020 that annual traffic fatalities dropped below 40,000, continuing a steady downward trend that began in the second quarter of 2022. The fourth quarter of 2024 represented the 11th consecutive quarter with a year-over-year decline in traffic deaths.
“It’s encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser in a statement. “Total road fatalities, however, remain significantly higher than a decade ago, and America’s traffic fatality rate remains high relative to many peer nations.”
The 2024 decrease in fatalities came despite an increase in vehicle travel. Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration indicated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rose by 1%, while the fatality rate per 100 million VMT fell to 1.20 -- the lowest rate since 2019. That said, it remains above the pre-pandemic average of 1.13 between 2013 and 2019.
To address ongoing safety concerns, Simshauser emphasized NHTSA’s continued partnership with law enforcement to target high-risk behaviors such as speeding, impaired or distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts.
Geographically, NHTSA estimates that 35 states and Puerto Rico experienced reductions in traffic deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year, while 14 states and the District of Columbia saw increases. One state reported no change.
The agency also finalized its 2023 crash data, confirming 40,901 fatalities for that year, a 4.3% decline from 42,721 in 2022. The fatality rate in 2023 also improved, dropping by 6% to 1.26 deaths per 100 million VMT.
These figures signal a continued post-pandemic correction in U.S. road safety metrics, though officials caution that more work remains to reverse the long-term upward trend that began in 2020.
