WASHINGTON, DC—The number of people killed in traffic crashes in the United States decreased significantly in the first three months of 2025, marking the 12th consecutive quarterly decline, according to new data released Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA estimates that traffic fatalities fell by approximately 6.3% in the first quarter, with 8,055 lives lost. This reduction brings the estimated quarterly fatality rate to its lowest point in six years.
“While traffic fatalities remain far too high, we are encouraged to see such a decline and pledge to continue working to drive down these numbers even more,” said Peter Simshauser, NHTSA Chief Counsel. “NHTSA will continue to use all of its resources to educate Americans about dangerous driving behaviors and advance meaningful policies that will save lives. The agency is also strengthening its relationships with law enforcement to ensure traffic laws are being enforced to save lives.”
The agency’s estimates indicate that fatalities decreased in 33 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico during the first quarter.
The fatality rate for the first quarter dropped to 1.05 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, a decrease from the 1.13 rate recorded during the same period in 2024. This marks the lowest quarterly fatality rate since the first quarter of 2019. Vehicle miles traveled remained largely flat during the quarter, increasing by about 0.6% to 4.3 billion miles.
Photo via Chris Montcalmo Photography
