Latest NHTSA Traffic Crash Results: Fewer Deaths and Injuries

Truck-Involved Fatalities and Injuries Decline as U.S. Traffic Deaths Drop

NHTSA Reports Encouraging Downward Trend

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released new data showing that motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries in the United States are continuing to decline, with significant improvements for crashes involving large trucks. According to the final 2023 data and early 2024 estimates, traffic fatalities are now at their lowest point since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, 40,901 people were killed in traffic crashes, down 4.3% from 42,721 deaths in 2022. The early 2024 estimate projects an even lower number—39,345 fatalities—a 3.8% decrease from 2023. This marks the first time since 2020 that annual traffic deaths dropped below 40,000.

NHTSA Data Shows Fatality Rate Falls Despite More Driving

Preliminary numbers from the Federal Highway Administration show Americans drove about 1% more in 2024. Still, the fatality rate fell to 1.20 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—the lowest since 2019. The 2023 fatality rate also improved, falling from 1.34 to 1.26 deaths per 100 million miles.

This downward trend continued for the 11th consecutive quarter as of late 2024, a stretch of improvement that began in the second quarter of 2022.

NHTSA Confirms Truck-Involved Crash Fatalities Dropped in 2023

The final 2023 data showed a noticeable drop in crashes involving large trucks, defined by NHTSA as vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds. Fatalities in these types of crashes declined by 497 compared to the year before—an 8.3% drop overall.

Large-truck occupant deaths saw a 12% decline, with specific improvements in both single-vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes. In multi-vehicle incidents, large-truck occupant fatalities fell sharply by 24%, or 118 fewer deaths. Single-vehicle crashes saw a more modest 3.1% decrease, or 19 fewer fatalities.

Occupants of other vehicles involved in truck crashes also saw fewer fatalities—350 fewer lives lost in 2023, an 8.4% drop. Nonoccupants, such as pedestrians and cyclists, experienced a slight decline of 1.5% in fatal incidents with large trucks.

Injuries in Truck Crashes Also See a Decline

In a year when overall traffic injuries rose, injuries in crashes involving large trucks moved in the opposite direction. The estimated number of people injured in large truck crashes fell by 4.5% in 2023. This is notable, given that injuries across all traffic incidents increased by 2.5%, rising by nearly 60,000 to 2.44 million.

Behavioral Factors Still Pose a Risk

While the general trend is positive, NHTSA’s analysis of driver behavior revealed some concerns. Fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers fell across most vehicle types between 2022 and 2023—but not for large-truck drivers. In that group, alcohol-related fatalities increased by 19%, rising from 157 to 187 deaths.

NHTSA also reviewed speeding and seat belt use, though detailed numbers for different vehicle types were not included in this portion of the report.

Deaths Among Pedestrians and Cyclists Still High

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities remain at troubling levels, even as overall deaths fall. Pedestrian deaths dropped 3.7% in 2023 to 7,314, following a 0.7% increase in 2022, when the number reached its highest level since 1981. Cyclist deaths, however, rose in 2023 by 4.4%, reaching 1,166—the highest number recorded since at least 1980.

Injuries among bicyclists also increased sharply by 8.2% in 2023, with nearly 50,000 reported.

NHTSA Reports Fatalities Declined in Most States

According to NHTSA, traffic deaths decreased in 35 states and Puerto Rico in 2024. However, 14 states and the District of Columbia saw increases. While the overall numbers are improving, these regional differences highlight the continued need for targeted safety efforts.

NHTSA Stresses the Need for Continued Efforts

The drop in traffic deaths is a good sign, but NHTSA says there is still more work to do. Roadway fatalities in the U.S. are still much higher than they were ten years ago. The fatality rate in the U.S. is also higher than in many other developed nations.

NHTSA says progress is due in part to better enforcement of traffic laws. There is also more public awareness about dangerous driving habits. These include speeding, driving under the influence, driving while distracted, and not wearing a seat belt.

The U.S. DOT is continuing to work with law enforcement to improve road safety. Their goal is to bring traffic deaths down even more in the coming years.