The numbers are still higher than before the pandemic.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released preliminary reports on deaths by traffic crashes in the U.S., reporting that traffic deaths fell for the second year in a row. They have yet to fall below pre-pandemic levels.
The data set showed that 40,990 people died in traffic accidents last year, a 3.6% decrease compared to 42,514 fatalities in 2022. However, in 2019, 36,355 people were killed by traffic crashes, showing a continued increase in traffic death rates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“NHTSA is continuing to gather and finalize data on crash fatalities for 2022 and 2023 using information from police crash reports and other sources,” the agency reported. Officials added that the final file for 2022 will likely be available in early 2025, along with the annual report for 2023.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman as she oversees the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- For Secretary Buttigieg and U.S. transportation officials as they seek to ensure the safety of all modes of travel in the nation.
Sources: Reuters, NHTSA
