U.S. Traffic Deaths Hit Lowest Since 2019

U.S. traffic fatalities have reached their lowest number since 2019, signifying a positive shift after a period of increased road deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, traffic fatalities decreased by 6.7% to 36,640, and the fatality rate fell to 1.10 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

This marks the fourth consecutive year of decline. Experts suggest that during the pandemic, a perception of reduced police presence may have led to riskier driving behaviors, including impaired driving. The U.S. saw a particularly sharp rise in fatalities in 2021, with deaths jumping 10.8% to 43,230.

In response to these concerns, Congress allocated $5 billion over five years as part of a 2021 infrastructure law to address road safety. The financial impact of crashes is substantial, with a 2023 study estimating direct costs to taxpayers at $30 billion and societal costs reaching $340 billion, or $1.37 trillion when quality-of-life valuations are included.