The number of motor vehicle-related deaths decreased nearly 13% in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2024, a National Safety Council analysis shows.
According to preliminary estimates, 18,720 people were killed on the nation’s roads during the first six months of 2025. That’s down from the revised count of 21,450 the year prior. The drop came even as miles traveled on U.S. roads rose 0.8% compared with January-June 2024.
“This decrease in traffic deaths represents tremendous progress and shows what’s possible when states and communities commit to proven safety strategies,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at the council. “We’re seeing the results of states and localities implementing the Safe System Approach – focusing on safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, safer people and better post-crash care.
“This success demonstrates that when we work together using evidence-based solutions, we can save lives and make all road users safer.”
To maintain improvement, NSC is calling on the Department of Transportation to develop a comprehensive safety action plan that addresses risks faced by vulnerable road users and incorporates proven strategies to eliminate risky driving behaviors.
NSC also urges DOT to complete rulemakings related to:
- Advanced impaired driving technology
- Crash avoidance technology
- Automatic emergency braking in heavy vehicles
“These technologies have the potential to save countless lives,” NSC says.
