Traffic fatalities dropped approximately 3.8 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) early estimates. It also is the first time since 2020 that fatalities fell below 40,000.
“It’s encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said. “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 reduce fatalities further, USDOT is working closely to partner with the law enforcement community to enhance traffic enforcement on our roads, including speeding, impairment, distraction, and lack of seatbelt use.”
In 2024, 39,345 people died in traffic crashes. Fatalities also decreased in 35 states and Puerto Rico, according to NHTSA estimates. One state was unchanged while 14 states and the District of Columbia saw increases.
The overall decline in traffic fatalities began during the second quarter of 2022 with the fourth quarter of 2024 marking the 11th consecutive quarterly decrease.
During 2024, vehicle miles traveled increased by 1 percent, but the fatality rate decreased to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, according to Federal Highway Administration preliminary data.