Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths Decline 12% in 2024

The National Safety Council reported some good news on February 24, 2026. Even as overall miles driven in 2024 increased by 0.9%, deaths from crashes decreased by 12%. The number of crashes was 36, 810.

The group noted that dangerous driving behaviors – including speeding, distracted and impaired driving – remain the leading cause of traffic deaths for all roadway users: pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and drivers.

Part of the reason for the decrease is a program, Road to Zero Coalition, that partnered NSC with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“The decrease in roadway fatalities is more than a number. It represents lives saved and families kept whole,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO, in a statement. “It is also proof that our sustained efforts to make our roads safer are working. We must continue to work together as advocates, policymakers and communities to build on this progress, until no one ever loses their life on our roads again.” 

The Road to Zero Coalition was created in 2016 and now includes 650 organizations that represent a variety of voices in traffic safety, including professional engineering and planning organizations; public sector organizations; safety advocates; vehicle manufacturers; technology developers; public health, emergency medical and trauma organizations; and law enforcement and judicial system representatives. 

The goal of the initiative is to eliminate roadway fatalities in the United States by 2050. 

As outlined in A Vision for Achieving Zero Roadway Deaths by 2050, the Safe System Approach is a holistic roadway safety model that has shown measurable success in eliminating preventable traffic fatalities. The approach focuses on five key elements: safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, safer people and better post-crash care.  

Geographical Statistics

In the report just released nine states and the District of Columbia experienced decreases of more than 15%, including:

• D.C. (-52%)
• California (-40%)
• Rhode Island (-29%)
• Iowa (-24%)
• Minnesota (-21%)
• Mississippi (-19%)
• New York (-18%)
• Connecticut (-16%)
• Maryland (-16%)
• South Dakota (-16%) 

Eight states saw increases, including:

• Hawaii (+25%)
• Wyoming (+12%)
• Kansas (+10%)
• New Mexico (+8%)
• Idaho (+7%)
• Louisiana (+5%)
• Vermont (+5%)
• Colorado (+3%)

Preventing Injuries

Proven safety technologies include speed safety cameras, intelligent speed assistance, telematics, advanced impaired driving prevention technology and automatic emergency braking. NSC says that these tools have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crashes and saving lives. 

Government action is essential as well.

”NSC urges the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to maintain its commitment to prioritize engagement with transportation stakeholders committed to reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. This vision should also include collaboration with the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, and allow for collaboration among technology providers, motor vehicle manufacturers and safety advocates. By aligning federal, state and local resources, requiring necessary vehicle technology and supporting vital research, DOT can make a lasting impact on roadway safety,” the group said in a statement.