New NHTSA Traffic Data Reveals Plunge in Traffic Fatalities

Latest Traffic Data Shows Deaths Keep Dropping in 2024

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released early data about traffic deaths for the first half of 2024. The report shows that an estimated 18,720 people died in vehicle crashes between January and June. This is a 3.2% drop compared to the same time in 2023, when there were 19,330 deaths. This is the ninth straight quarter that traffic deaths have fallen, continuing a trend that started in mid-2022.

More Driving, But Fewer Deaths

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reported that drivers covered 13.1 billion more miles in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This is about a 0.8% increase. Even with more miles driven, the number of deaths dropped. The fatality rate fell from 1.21 deaths per 100 million miles in early 2023 to 1.17 deaths per 100 million miles in early 2024.

Traffic Data Differences by Region

The report also shows differences in traffic deaths across the country. Of the 10 NHTSA regions, 7 saw drops in deaths and fatality rates during the first half of 2024. In addition, 31 states and Puerto Rico had fewer traffic deaths. However, 18 states and Washington, D.C. had more traffic deaths compared to the same time in 2023.

How States Compare

Some states saw big improvements. Florida had 9.3% fewer deaths, and Arizona’s traffic deaths dropped by 12.7%. On the other hand, deaths increased in states like Nebraska and Minnesota, where fatalities went up by more than 32%.

A Look at Past Trends

While the first half of 2024 shows positive signs, the data also reminds us of how traffic deaths have changed over the years. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sharp rise in traffic deaths in 2020 and 2021. But starting in mid-2022, the number of deaths began to fall, leading to the steady decline we see today.

How the Traffic Data Is Collected

The NHTSA based their early estimates on several sources of information, including reports from police and other official data sources. They use the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), early reports, and monthly death counts to make predictions. The data for the first half of 2024 will be updated again later this year when more information becomes available.

NHTSA plans to release updated estimates for the first nine months of 2024 by the end of the year. The agency continues to focus on reducing traffic deaths through safety programs and policies.