NHTSA: Traffic Fatalities Reduced to Lowest Numbers in Years

NHTSA Reports Sharp Drop in Traffic Fatalities in First Half of 2025

Largest First-Half Decline Since 2008

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released early estimates for roadway fatalities in the first half of 2025, showing an 8.2% decline compared to the same period in 2024. An estimated 17,140 people lost their lives in crashes between January and June, down from 18,680 fatalities during the same period last year.

“This marks a promising step forward, and it reflects the strong collaboration between NHTSA, state and local partners, and law enforcement agencies nationwide,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser. “Even with this progress, the number of lives lost is still far too high, and we remain committed to driving these numbers down further.”

Fatality Rate Falls With More Miles Traveled

The decline in fatalities occurred despite an increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). During the first six months of 2025, drivers traveled 12.1 billion more miles than in the same period last year. Even with more traffic on the roads, the fatality rate per 100 million VMT dropped to 1.06, down from 1.16 in early 2024. This 8.6% decrease marks the lowest mid-year fatality rate reported by NHTSA since 2014.

State-Level Fatality Trends Show Broad Improvement

According to the report, 38 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, are projected to record fewer traffic deaths compared to the first half of 2024. Eleven states are expected to see increases, while one state is projected to remain unchanged.

Federal officials pointed out that states showing larger declines often combined increased enforcement, public education campaigns, and targeted safety investments to support the agency’s national goals.

NHTSA Provides Historical Context for Fatality Reductions

The 8.2% decline in 2025 represents the largest first-half reduction in traffic fatalities since 2008, when an 11.5% drop was recorded during the economic downturn. Since then, fatality numbers have varied, with sharp increases during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

Several safety initiatives are credited as contributing factors in 2025, including:

• Law enforcement campaigns addressing impaired and distracted driving.
• Advances in vehicle technology such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings.
• Public awareness efforts encouraging seat belt use and reducing speeding.

NHTSA Emphasizes Ongoing Safety Efforts

While these preliminary results are encouraging, NHTSA stressed that the figures remain estimates. Final 2025 numbers will be released in late 2026 after all crash data has been fully reviewed.

“Every life saved is meaningful,” Simshauser said. “NHTSA will continue working with states, law enforcement, and transportation partners to build on this progress.”