Traffic deaths down – but miles driven up

It’s an unusual statistic to report. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic deaths are down, despite the number of miles driven going up. Normally, traffic death tolls go hand-in-hand with mileage driven.

Three percent decrease

NHTSA released its first projections for traffic fatalities in 2024. It is estimated that 8,650 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of the year. This represents a decrease of about 3.2% when compared to 8,935 estimated fatalities during the same period in 2023. Another good news bit? This is the eighth consecutive quarterly decline in traffic fatalities, a trend that began in the second quarter of 2022.

The projected decrease comes as vehicle miles traveled increased 0.6% from January through March. The estimated fatality rate for the first three months of 2024 decreased to 1.13 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from the projected rate of 1.18 fatalities during the same period in 2023.

“We’re encouraged to see traffic fatalities continue to decline, but more work must be done to reduce these preventable tragedies on our roads,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said. “NHTSA is working diligently to save lives and ensure our roads are safe for everyone inside and outside of vehicles.” Yes, traffic deaths are down.

It’s thought that fatalities decreased in 30 states and Puerto Rico in the first quarter of 2024. At the same time increases are projected in 19 states and the District of Columbia, as compared to the same period in 2023. One state remained unchanged.

Why are traffic deaths down?

Traffic deaths down. What’s behind the downturn while pumping up the miles driven? Uncle Sam’s NHTSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation suggest at least part of the good news is due to actions taken by the government.

• $1.7 billion put out in funding to improve roadway safety at the local, regional, and tribal levels through the Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program. More than 1,000 communities received funding, representing close to 70% of all Americans.
• New vehicle safety technologies, pushed through rulemakings for automatic emergency braking, including for pedestrians, on all new passenger vehicles. The same technology pushed as well for heavy vehicles such as commercial trucks.
• Updated key road safety regulations. These include the new edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and revised guidance to encourage states using federal-aid funds to use repaving and rehabilitation projects to improve safety for all road users.
• An expansion of the use and support of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System by accepting data from all 50 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia.

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