An estimated 8,650 people died in traffic crashes during the first three months of the year, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) projections.
This is an approximate 3.2 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2023. It is also the eighth consecutive quarterly decline in traffic fatalities.
“We’re encouraged to see traffic fatalities continue to decline, but more work must be done to reduce these preventable tragedies on our roads,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said. “NHTSA is working diligently to save lives and ensure our roads are safe for everyone inside and outside of vehicles.”
This year’s projected decrease dropped to 1.13 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled while vehicle miles traveled from January through March increased 0.6 percent. In 2023, the rate was 1.18 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Fatalities decreased in 30 states and Puerto Rico, increased in 19 states and the District of Columbia, and was unchanged in one state.
The U.S. Department of Transportation published a report earlier this year to mark two years since the release of its National Roadway Safety Strategy addressing road fatalities. The report highlighted details the department’s accomplishments in 2023 and its efforts to address serious and fatal injuries.