Traffic Fatalities Down in First Half of 2025, National Safety Council Estimates Show

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Traffic fatalities fell 13% in the first half of 2025 from last year, an analysis from the National Safety Council shows.

An estimated 18,720 people died in traffic crashes from January to June, while miles driven rose slightly 0.8% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of this year. The rate dropped to 1.15 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

The NSC attributes the decline to the results of states and localities implementing the Safe System Approach – focusing on safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, safer people and better post-crash care.

However, the results varied widely across states.

Ten states and the District of Columbia saw decreases of 20% or more: District of Columbia (a 67% reduction); California (43%); Connecticut (34%)’ Mississippi (34%); Alaska (31%); Delaware (25%); Alabama (21%); Kentucky (21%); Vermont (21%); Maryland (20%); and Minnesota (20%).

There were four states with increases of 20% or more in traffic crash deaths: Hawaii (46%); Oklahoma (32%); Kansas (;30%); and West Virginia (21%).

NSC uses data from the National Center for Health Statistics to include deaths occurring within 100 days of the crash and on both public and private roadways.

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