NHTSA Estimates Traffic Fatalities Declined 4.4% in the First Nine Months of 2024

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released its early estimates of traffic fatalities for the first nine months of 2024, estimating that traffic fatalities declined for the 10th straight quarter. An estimated 29,135 people died in traffic crashes, representing a decrease of about 4.4% as compared to 30,490 fatalities projected for the first nine months of 2023. 

Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration show that vehicle miles traveled in the first nine months of 2024 increased by 19.7 billion miles, about a 0.8% increase from the same time last year. More miles driven combined with fewer traffic deaths resulted in a fatality rate of 1.18 fatalities per 100 million VMT, down from the projected rate of 1.24 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first nine months of 2023.  

NHTSA is also estimating a decrease in fatalities in 35 states and Puerto Rico.  

“While we’re encouraged by the continued decline in traffic fatalities, our work is far from done,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said. “NHTSA remains deeply committed to reducing traffic fatalities by embracing the safe system approach and striving for the day when we will see zero deaths on our nation’s roads.”  

In November, NHTSA released its early estimates of traffic fatalities in key safety subcategories for the first half of 2024, projecting a decline in nearly all subcategories. Fatalities decreased in key areas, including pedestrian and speeding-related crashes, rollover crashes, and crashes involving unbuckled occupants.  

Since January 2021, NHTSA has finalized a significant number of safety initiatives aimed at reducing traffic deaths, such as a new requirement for passenger cars and light trucks to come equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by 2029. In November, NHTSA published significant updates to its consumer-facing 5-Star Safety Ratings program, a pivotal action that will improve safety on our nation’s roads by incorporating new advanced driver assistance technologies, adding a crashworthiness pedestrian protection program, and setting a roadmap for future program changes over the next 10 years. These initiatives support the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg launched in January 2022.