Road Traffic Deaths Experienced Largest Decrease Since 2008, According to NHTSA Reports
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released early estimates showing a substantial decrease in traffic fatalities in the United States during the first half of 2025. The estimates indicate that 17,140 people died in U.S. motor vehicle crashes from January through June, marking a decrease of 1,540 fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.
This represents an 8.2% reduction in motor vehicle traffic deaths, and is the largest first-half reduction since 2008. The decline in fatalities occurred amid an increase in vehicle miles traveled, with a rise of 12.1 billion miles during the first half of 2025.
The lowest mid-year fatality rate since 2014 was recorded, with the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled dropping to 1.06. Maryland is projected to see a 23.5% drop in traffic deaths, while Delaware is expected to see a 26.6% drop. Connecticut is projected to see the biggest drop in traffic deaths (32.5%).
On the other hand, eleven states are projected to see an increase in traffic fatalities. Massachusetts is projected to see a 15.1% increase, Kansas a 21.2% increase, and Hawaii the largest increase of 47.8%. Idaho is projected to see an 18.6% increase in traffic fatalities.
The significant decline in traffic fatality numbers in Connecticut, Delaware, Mississippi, Maryland, and Kentucky during the first half of 2025 is primarily attributed to proactive traffic safety measures such as data-driven risk assessments, tactical infrastructure improvements, and enhanced monitoring systems that anticipate and prevent hazards before accidents occur, following models like Vision Zero. Specific local programs in these states likely contributed to reducing fatalities through targeted interventions, though exact region-specific reasons are not detailed in the available data.
The NHTSA's projections indicate that 38 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, will see a decrease in traffic deaths. The administration projects that these decreases will continue, contributing to a safer road environment for all Americans.
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