NHTSA forecasts reduction in traffic fatalities in the first half of 2024

According to NHTSA, traffic deaths have decreased for the ninth consecutive quarter

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its preliminary estimates of traffic fatalities for the first half of 2024. According to NHTSA, traffic deaths have decreased for the ninth consecutive quarter, showing a significant reduction compared to the first half of 2023.

NHTSA reports that traffic fatalities have declined in both the first and second quarters of 2024. It is estimated that 18,720 people died in traffic accidents during the first half of 2024, representing a 3.2% reduction compared to the 19,330 projected fatalities for the same period in 2023.

Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration indicate a 0.8% increase in vehicle miles traveled, totaling approximately 13.1 billion miles in the first half of the year. Despite this increase in distance traveled, the number of traffic deaths decreased, resulting in a fatality rate of 1.17 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, an improvement over the projected rate of 1.21 for the same period in 2023.

Road safety as a priority in the U.S. government

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated that one of the Department’s main objectives has been to reduce road deaths. Despite progress, he noted that the issue remains critical and much work remains to be done. He emphasized that road safety is central to their mission and that funds for infrastructure are being used to improve safety on roads across the country.

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) implemented a comprehensive plan to achieve zero road deaths: the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS). This strategy, based on five pillars of road safety, differs from conventional approaches by recognizing both human errors and inherent vulnerabilities, aiming to design a redundant system that protects all road users. Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg remarked that the decline in fatalities is encouraging and reaffirmed the commitment to achieving zero deaths through this program.

NHTSA reports a reduction in deaths in 31 states and Puerto Rico, while an increase is projected in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Since January 2021, NHTSA has implemented several safety initiatives, such as requiring automatic emergency braking systems in light vehicles by 2029, and is working on similar measures for heavy vehicles. These actions support the National Road Safety Strategy, designed to significantly reduce serious injuries and deaths on highways, roads, and streets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to advance road safety by implementing vehicle technology standards and expanding funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance road safety.