The number of people killed in U.S road crashes was down 6.3% in t
he first three months of 2025, according to newly released data by the N
ational Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Traffic fatalities totaled 8,055, the lowest quarterly rate in s
ix years. This marks the 12th consecutive quarterly decline in road deaths.
“While traffic fatalities remain far too high, we are encouraged to see such a decline and pledge to continue workin
g to drive down these numbers even more. NHTSA will continue to use all of its resources to educate Americans a
bout dangerous driving behaviors and advance meaningful policies th
at will save lives. The agency is also strengthening its relationships with law enforcement to ensu
re traffic laws are being enforced to save lives,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said.
NHTSA estimated tha
t fatalities decreased in 33 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Watch More Image Part 2 >>>
The fatality rate for the first quarter decreased to 1.05 fatalities pe
r 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from the rate of 1.13 from
the same time in 2024. This is the lowest quarterly fatality rate since the first quarter of 2019.
Vehicle miles traveled in the quarter remained mostly flat at 4.3 bi
llion miles, or about a 0.6 percent increase.