Traffic fatalities fall after record uptick

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fell over 3 percent for the first half of 2024, from 19,300 during the first half of 2023, to 18,720 during the same period of 2024. There were declines in fatality rates for nearly all the accident indices NHTSA tracks, the only exception being a 1 percent jump in fatal accidents among drivers over 65.

These numbers seem encouraging, but it’s important to keep them in perspective: the decline comes after deadly accidents spiked to 20,160 during the first half of 2021, a more than 18 percent jump over the first half of the previous year. That’s the largest increase ever recorded during a six-month period since NHTSA began compiling statistics. 

Risky driving still a concern

According to the NHTSA, incidents of speeding and traveling without a seatbelt remain significantly higher than during pre-pandemic times. There are no statistics that suggest there is a direct link between the pandemic and traffic accidents, but whatever the cause, it’s important to emphasize that these deaths, occurring as they did because of poor driver decision-making, were entirely preventable.

The research has made it clear that drivers have gotten more reckless in recent years, with average speeds having increased, extreme speeds becoming more common, and fewer people involved in accidents having used their seat belts. 

Impaired driving also continues to contribute significantly to this deadly trend. According to statistics released in a 2024 NHTSA report on alcohol-impaired driving:

• Almost two-thirds of seriously or fatally injured drivers during the first half of 2021 were found to have intoxicating drugs in their systems.
• In 2022, more than 13,000 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic accidents. That’s approximately one death every 39 minutes.

Other notable statistics from the report include:

• Fatal crashes were four times as likely to involve a male driver.
• Drivers between 25 and 44 years of age accounted for the preponderance of fatal accidents.

To continue reducing traffic deaths as part of its National Roadway Safety Strategy, the NHTSA has been introducing a significant number of safety initiatives, such as a new requirement for passenger cars and light trucks to come equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by 2029.

Safer driving starts with you

Good drivers like you know it's the other drivers you have to worry about. Fortunately, we've got tips to help you navigate the road ahead.

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1/2025