Record-Low Traffic Deaths and Fatality Rates in 2025

NHTSA Press Releases

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

NHTSA announced estimated 36,640 traffic fatalities in 2025, representing a 6.7% decrease from 2024's 39,254 deaths. The 2025 fatality rate was 1.10 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—the second-lowest rate in recorded history. Fatalities decreased in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

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What changed

NHTSA released its early estimates for 2025 traffic fatalities showing 36,640 deaths, down 6.7% from 39,254 deaths in 2024. The fatality rate dropped to 1.10 per 100 million VMT from 1.19 in 2024, marking the second-lowest rate ever recorded. Vehicle miles traveled increased by approximately 29.8 billion miles (0.9%).

This announcement is informational only—no regulatory actions, compliance deadlines, or new requirements are imposed. The release was made during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, coinciding with NHTSA's 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' campaign from April 6-13. No action is required from regulated entities.

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News

Trump’s Transportation Department Announces Record-Low Traffic Deaths & Fatality Rates in 2025

2025 had the second-lowest fatality rate on America’s roads in recorded history

Share: April 1, 2026 | Washington, DC The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced that traffic deaths fell to record lows in 2025. With an estimated 36,640 traffic fatalities in 2025—a 6.7% decrease from 2024—the nation saw its second-lowest traffic fatality rate in recorded history at 1.10 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Under Secretary Duffy, the Department is restoring safety to our roads by strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, cracking down on unqualified truckers driving big rigs, and making newer and safer cars more affordable for American families.

“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 P. 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.

Additional Information:

NHTSA estimates that fatalities decreased in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in 2025. Preliminary Federal Highway Administration 2025 data shows that vehicle miles traveled had increased by about 29.8 billion miles, about 0.9%.

NHTSA also released its annual traffic fatality data for 2024, reporting that 39,254 people died in traffic crashes in 2024. The fatality rate for 2024 was 1.19 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

The announcement was made at an event marking April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month when law enforcement officers will be stepping up their efforts to identify and stop distracted drivers before they can hurt themselves or others on the road.

From April 6-13, NHTSA’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign will remind the public of the financial, legal, and even deadly consequences of driving distracted. Eighteen people are injured every half hour in distracted driving crashes, and one person is killed about every 2.5 hours.

The campaigns kickoff event included remarks from NHTSA Administrator Morrison, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek Barrs, Fairfield, Connecticut, Police Chief Michael Paris, and Patty Kruszewski of Virginia, a mom who lost her daughter in a distracted driving crash.

Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign ads can be seen across television, radio and digital platforms. Ads are available for download here along with other campaign materials.

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