U.S. Traffic Deaths Fell 2% in First Half of 2026, NSC Estimates

An analysis by the National Safety Council (NSC), published on September 9, estimates that 18,460 people lost their lives in traffic accidents during the first six months of 2026. Preliminary data indicate a 2% decrease compared with the revised figure for the first half of 2025. This decline coincided with a 0.8% increase in vehicle miles traveled between January and June in the respective years.

While the data show that there were fewer traffic fatalities during the first half of 2026, “our work is far from finished,” said Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council and chair of the Road to Zero Coalition.

“Even one death on our roads is too many. As drivers, we can all make a difference by committing to driving safely and responsibly on every trip. As advocates for road safety, NSC will continue working to implement evidence-based solutions, safety-focused policies, and strategies proven to save lives,” Martin added in the NSC’s official report.

States With the Largest Decreases and Increases in Traffic Fatalities

Despite the overall nationwide decline, some states still have work to do. The NSC’s findings showed significant disparities when analyzing all states: while some recorded double-digit declines, others experienced double-digit increases. Thirteen states recorded declines of more than 10%:

• Hawaii (-30%)
• Illinois (-24%)
• West Virginia (-24%)
• Kansas (-21%)
• Oklahoma (-20%)
• Idaho (-18%)
• New Hampshire (-16%)
• Nevada (-14%)
• Maryland (-13%)
• Wisconsin (-13%)
• Tennessee (-12%)
• Utah (-11%)
• Massachusetts (-10%)

On the other hand, ten states and the District of Columbia recorded increases of more than 10%:

• District of Columbia (+133%)
• Delaware (+24%)
• Rhode Island (+22%)
• Vermont (+18%)
• North Dakota (+18%)
• Kentucky (+18%)
• Alabama (+17%)
• Iowa (+16%)
• Wyoming (+14%)
• California (+14%)
• Mississippi (+12%)

These fluctuations identified by the NSC, in addition to demonstrating disparities among states, provide a basis for analyzing the estimated traffic fatality rate per mile traveled during the first half of 2026. According to the NSC, the rate stands at 1.12 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, representing a 3.4% decrease from 2025 and a 10.4% decrease from 2024. This suggests that the safety measures implemented in 2026 are beginning to produce results.

Road to Zero

However, traffic crashes continue to put the lives of many Americans at risk. According to the analysis, some of the leading causes of preventable deaths on the nation’s roads include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, driver fatigue, and failure to wear a seat belt.

In response to the ongoing risk posed by traffic crashes, the NSC established and leads the “Road to Zero” Coalition, which partners with key road safety stakeholders to promote comprehensive solutions and share best practices. Its goal is to eliminate traffic deaths by 2050 by promoting the Safe System Approach and advocating for safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, and post-crash care.

The data presented by the NSC are estimates of traffic fatalities and are subject to slight fluctuations as more information becomes available.