U.S. traffic deaths declining, but remain 'too high,' NHTSA says

The estimated fatality rate for 2022 is projected to be 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 1.37 the year prior.

The declines in 2022 come after a 16-year high for roadway deaths was set in 2021, according to the NHTSA data. In 2021, some 42,939 people died in traffic accidents, which was a year-on-year increase of 10.1%. (Credit: Motortion Films/Shutterstock)

U.S. traffic deaths saw a modest 0.3% decrease in 2022, according to the latest projections from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which estimates 42,795 people died in motor vehicle accidents this past year.

The fatality rate for 2022 is projected to be 1.35 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), down from 1.37 fatalities per VMT in 2021. VMT increase 0.9% from 2021 to 2022, according to NHTSA data.

While the number of drivers dying in traffic accidents is starting to taper off, the U.S. Department of Transportation noted the number was still far too high.

“We continue to face a national crisis of traffic deaths on our roadways, and everyone has a role to play in reversing the rise that we experienced in recent years,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a release. “Through our National Roadway Safety Strategy, we’re strengthening traffic safety across the country, and working toward a day when these preventable tragedies are a thing of the past.”

The declines in 2022 come after a 16-year high for roadway deaths was set in 2021, according to the NHTSA data. In 2021, some 42,939 people died in traffic accidents, which was a year-on-year increase of 10.1%.

While roadway deaths are still elevated, the NHTSA noted that the last quarter of 2022 likely saw deaths decline, marking the third straight quarter with fewer traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Percentage Change in Estimated Fatalities in 2022. (Credit: S Hallo/Adobe Stock)

While overall death traffics are projected to slightly decline, some regions of the country did see roadway fatalities grow.

For example, traffic deaths in the region made up of Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island are expected to see a combed 8% increase in 2022 traffic deaths. Driving much of the growth in this region are projected double-digit increases in deaths for Maine (19.6%) and New Hampshire (25.6%).

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