Head-on car crash. There were 673 fewer motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2017 than 2016. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced this week that 2017 highway fatality numbers are down following two consecutive years of large increases. In addition, preliminary estimates for the first six months of 2018 appear to show that this downward trend continues into this year. |

Dangerous actions continue, emerging trend

"Dangerous actions such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are still putting many Americans, their families and those they share the road with at risk," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi R. King. "Additionally, we must address the emerging trend of drug-impaired driving to ensure we are reducing traffic fatalities and keeping our roadways safe for the traveling public." The 1.8% decrease from 2016 to 2017 compares to the 6.5% increase from 2015 to 2016 and the 8.4% increase from 2014 and 2015. |

Key trends

Here are 14 additional key trends revealed by the 2017 fatal motor vehicle crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS): Related: NTSB calls for vehicle safety measures to combat surge in pedestrian deaths Drivers beware: Nationwide identifies deadliest driving day of the year Red-light-running crash deaths on the rise again

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Jayleen R. Heft

Jayleen Heft is the digital content editor for PropertyCasualty360.com. Contact her at [email protected].