Traffic Deaths Drop to 4-Year Low in U.S.

Traffic fatalities in the U.S. hit a record low in 2022, with 36,640 deaths, a 6.7% decrease from the previous year. The fatality rate also dropped to 1.10 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the second lowest in history. This trend reverses a spike during the COVID pandemic, when deaths surged by 10.8% in 2021. Experts attribute the rise to pandemic habits like reduced traffic enforcement and increased impaired driving. Now, in the fourth consecutive year of declines, deaths have fallen below 40,000 for the first time since 2020. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is intensifying efforts to curb risky behaviors, and Congress has allocated $5 billion over five years to enhance road safety. Despite progress, crashes still cost society $1.37 trillion annually, about 1.6% of the economy. These drops indicate progress, but maintaining focus on safer roads will continue to save lives and money.

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