Highway fatalities fell in 2017, after two consecutive years of significant increases, and the first six months of 2018 followed the same trend, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Fatalities decreased 1.8 percent compared to 2016. Between 2014 and 2015, vehicle-related deaths rose 8.4 percent, and between 2015 and 2016 they increased 6.5 percent.
Last year, 37,133 people died in motor vehicle crashes, with more fatalities occurring in urban than rural areas, while vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased by 1.2 percent from 2016.
In 2017, the fatality rate per 100 million VMT decreased by 2.5 percent.
Pedestrian fatalities declined for the first time since 2013.
“Dangerous actions such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are still putting many Americans, their families and those they share the road with at risk,” Heidi R. King, NHTSA Deputy Administrator, said. “Additionally, we must address the emerging trend of drug-impaired driving to ensure we are reducing traffic fatalities and keeping our roadways safe for the traveling public.”
This month, NHTSA relaunched its “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different” campaign to remind drivers that other substances besides alcohol can cause impairment.
The campaign previously ran alongside the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” message, which ran over the Labor Day weekend.