The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Releases Preliminary Estimates for 2023 Traffic Fatalities

Overview

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided early estimates for the number of traffic fatalities on U.S. roads in 2023. The results show a positive trend in reducing fatalities compared to previous years.

Key Findings

• 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2023, marking a 3.6% decrease from 2022.
• Despite the decline, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
• A new distracted driving campaign has been launched to address this issue.

Decrease in Fatalities

In 2023, there were 40,990 reported deaths from motor vehicle crashes, down from 42,514 in 2022. This represents a 3.6% reduction and translates to 1,524 lives saved compared to the previous year.

Comparison with Previous Years

While the fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled dropped slightly from 1.33 to 1.26 deaths, Americans drove an additional 67.5 billion miles in 2023, reflecting a 2.1% increase from 2022. However, the number of fatalities is still significantly higher than in 2013 when only 32,893 deaths were reported.

Regional Trends

Some states experienced notable increases in fatalities, with Rhode Island, Idaho, and Kentucky showing significant rises. Washington D.C. had the highest increase at 40.6%.

Distracted Driving Campaign

The NHTSA has launched the “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign to raise awareness about distracted driving. The initiative aims to remind drivers of the dangers and consequences of using phones while driving.

Conclusion

While progress has been made in reducing traffic fatalities, there is still work to be done to ensure road safety. The NHTSA’s efforts, along with increased awareness and enforcement, are crucial steps in addressing this ongoing issue.