NSC: Nearly 45,000 people killed in traffic crashes in 2024

Preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council shows that an estimated 44,680 people died in preventable traffic crashes last year in the United States. In 2023, that total was 44,762.

“There is still critical work needed to make our roadways safer,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. “Without significant changes, potential danger will continue to pose ongoing risks to the millions of Americans who rely on our roads daily. We must make new commitments to support safer conditions for all road users to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

Six states, as well as the District of Columbia, experienced an annual increase of 10% or more in 2024: Alaska, California, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey and Oklahoma.

States that showed an annual decrease of 10% or more: Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Wyoming.

“Risky driving behaviors remain major factors in roadway fatalities,” NSC says, adding that “distracted driving continues to be a serious concern.”

The nonprofit urges all road users to “remain fully focused on the task of driving.” Other dangerous behaviors, such as speeding and impaired driving, need to be addressed through “thoughtful infrastructure design and improvements, driver education, and the implementation of lifesaving technology solutions.”