An estimated 44,680 people were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024, a figure virtually unchanged from the previous year, according to preliminary data released by the National Safety Council.
The projected death toll represents a decline of less than 1%—or 82 fewer deaths—compared to 2023. Safety experts say the minimal improvement highlights the ongoing severity of the nation’s roadway safety crisis.
“There is still critical work needed to make our roadways safer,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at the National Safety Council. “Without significant changes, potential danger will continue to pose ongoing risks to the millions of Americans who rely on our roads daily.”
The national trend masks sharp differences at the state level. Six states and the District of Columbia reported increases in traffic fatalities of 10% or more, led by Maine (+38%), California (+34%), and Alaska (+23%). In contrast, 10 states saw declines of 10% or more, including Rhode Island (-26%), Wyoming (-25%), and North Dakota (-20%).
The NSC identified distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving as persistent factors in motor vehicle deaths. Ahead of Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, the council is urging drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and calling for broader use of technologies such as speed cameras, intelligent speed assistance, automatic emergency braking, and impaired driving prevention systems.
The organization continues to promote the Safe System Approach, a framework that aims to reduce fatalities through safer road design, lower speed limits, improved vehicle technology, and better post-crash response. It also calls for a coordinated federal action plan that includes collaboration among the Departments of Transportation, Labor, Justice, and Health and Human Services.
Such a plan should focus on protecting vulnerable road users, strengthening enforcement, and expanding public health efforts to address impaired driving, the NSC said.
The council’s estimates are based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics and include fatalities on both public and private roadways, as well as deaths occurring up to 100 days after a crash.
