Washington — Nearly 38,000 people were killed in motor vehicle-related crashes last year – a 12% decrease from 2024, according to preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council.
The data indicates nine states and the District of Columbia experienced an annual decrease of more than 15%:
- District of Columbia (-52%)
- California (-40%)
- Rhode Island (-29%)
- Iowa (-24%)
- Minnesota (-21%)
- Mississippi (-19%)
- New York (-18%)
- Connecticut (-16%)
- Maryland (-16%)
- South Dakota (-16%)
“The decrease in roadway fatalities is more than a number,” NSC CEO Lorraine M. Martin said. “It represents lives saved and families kept whole. It’s also proof that our sustained efforts to make our roads safer are working. We must continue to work together as advocates, policymakers and communities to build on this progress, until no one ever loses their life on our roads again.”
Dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving and driving impaired remain the leading cause of traffic deaths for all roadway users. NSC says addressing these risks requires driver education, infrastructure improvements, better vehicle design, legislation and evidence-driven technology.
