Story perspectives

U.S. Traffic Fatalities Drop Below 40,000 for First Time Since 2019

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2024, traffic fatalities in the United States were about 39,345, a 3.8% drop from 2023 and the first below 40,000 since 2019.
Speeding accounted for 29% of fatalities in 2023, with Oregon and Hawai‘i reporting high proportions and Florida and Kentucky lower.
Impaired driving caused over 12,400 deaths linked to alcohol impairment in 2023.
Federal and community efforts are underway to address issues through enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

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Story summary

In 2024, traffic fatalities in the United States were about 39,345, a 3.8% drop from 2023 and the first below 40,000 since 2019.
Speeding accounted for 29% of fatalities in 2023, with Oregon and Hawai‘i reporting high proportions and Florida and Kentucky lower.
Impaired driving caused over 12,400 deaths linked to alcohol impairment in 2023.
Federal and community efforts are underway to address issues through enforcement and public awareness campaigns.