NHTSA estimates vehicle crash fatalities declined in nearly all subcategories during the first half of 2024

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports a promising decline in traffic fatalities during the first half of 2024, with an estimated 18,720 people dying in motor vehicle crashes — a 3.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. The fatality rate dropped to 1.17 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, and most subcategories showed significant reductions, including 12% fewer out-of-state travel fatalities, 9% fewer ejected passenger deaths, and 3% fewer pedestrian fatalities. The only categories experiencing slight increases were fatalities among individuals 65 and older and motorcyclists, both rising by 1%.

The improvements come in the wake of the Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy launched in 2022 and supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. NHTSA continues to pursue safety initiatives, including a mandate requiring automatic emergency braking (AEB) on passenger cars and light trucks by 2029, despite pushback from automotive industry groups. 

With potential changes on the horizon due to the upcoming presidential transition—including President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Sean Duffy as transportation secretary—the future of transportation safety policies remains a topic of ongoing discussion and potential reform.

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