The most up-to-date information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) shows that 2024 traffic fatalities were down.

NHTSA estimates 39,345 people died in traffic crashes, which is a decrease of about 3.8% compared to the 40,901 fatalities reported in 2023. This is the first time since 2020 that the number of fatalities fell below 40,000.

However, last month, the National Safety Council (NSC) said preventable traffic crashes on U.S. roadways continued at a crisis level in 2024 with little improvement, according to its preliminary analysis. It estimates that 44,680 people died in preventable traffic crashes during 2024, which was only 82 fewer deaths than occurred in 2023.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also released in March, referred to preventable traffic deaths as a major public health problem, noting that between 2013 and 2022, U.S. pedestrian death rates increased 50% (from 1.55 to 2.33 per 100,000 population) while other countries generally experienced decreases.

NHTSA said Tuesday the quarterly fatality declines that began in Q2 2022 continued last year with Q4 2024 marking the 11th consecutive quarterly decrease in traffic fatalities.

“It’s encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser, in a press release.

“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.”

The 2024 early estimates follow 2023 trends with Americans driving more miles while fatality rates decrease.

Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration shows vehicle miles traveled increased by 1%, while the fatality rate for 2024 decreased to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. That’s the lowest fatality rate since 2019 but is still above the average rate of 1.13 in the seven years before the COVID-19 pandemic, NHTSA said.

NHTSA also estimates that fatalities decreased in 35 states and Puerto Rico last year. Increases are projected in 14 states and the District of Columbia compared to 2023. Utah was the only state that remained unchanged.

NHTSA also released its final 2023 Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Crash Reporting Sampling System traffic crash data and analysis.

The data showed 1,820 fewer people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roads during 2023, a 4.3% decrease from 42,721 in 2022 to 40,901. It represents the second year-to-year decrease since 2021.

The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by 6% from 1.34 in 2022 to 1.26 in 2023.

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