Traffic fatalities fell by 6.7% in 2025, USDOT reports

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a significant decrease in traffic fatalities last year.

On April 1, 2026, officials reported 36,640 traffic fatalities in 2025, a 6.7% decrease from 2024.

USDOT called this the “second-lowest traffic fatality rate in recorded history” for U.S. roadways.

There were 39,254 people killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2024.

When announcing the decrease in traffic fatalities, USDOT pointed to reasons including “strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, cracking down on unqualified truckers driving big rigs, and making newer and safer cars more affordable for American families.”

NHTSA said that traffic fatalities decreased in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico last year even though vehicle miles traveled had increased by 29.8 billion miles, about 0.9%.

“President Trump and I are committed to keeping American families safe on our roads. In the past year alone, we’ve partnered with our incredible law enforcement officers to get dangerous foreign truck drivers off the roads and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and driving without a seat belt. We’ve also worked with auto manufacturers to stand up our Freedom Means Affordable Cars initiative to make buying new, safer cars more affordable. At this Department, the safety and success of American families drive our work,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

“Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy, American roads are safer. The Trump Administration has a strong relationship with our law enforcement partners responsible for keeping our communities safe. NHTSA is doing our part by doubling down on safety strategies that reduce risky driving behaviors before they cost lives,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.