Preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council shows motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. remain at a high level, as an estimated 44,450 people died in traffic crashes in 2023. While it marks a 4% decline from 2022, compared to pre-pandemic 2019, it’s a 13.6% uptick.

According to the analysis, 12 states experienced decreases in motor vehicle fatalities of 10% or more in 2023: Alaska, Maine, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, Utah, Georgia, New York, and Louisiana.

Conversely, seven states as well as the nation’s capital experienced increases of 10% or more compared to 2022 preliminary estimates: District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, North Dakota, Maryland, and Kentucky.

Motor vehicle fatality estimates are subject to slight increases and decreases as data mature.

The National Safety Council uses data from the National Center for Health Statistics, an arm of the CDC, so that deaths occurring within 100 days of the crash and on both public and private roadways — such as parking lots and driveways — are included in the Council’s estimates. 

The National Safety Council has calculated traffic fatality estimates since 1913. Supplemental estimate information, including estimates for each state, can be found here.

NSC’s Safe System Approach

Embracing the Safe System Approach at national, state and local levels is a critical step toward eliminating traffic fatalities nationwide, says NSC.

The Safe System Approach takes a holistic look at road safety by examining five elements of a safe transportation system: road users, speed management, vehicles, roads, and post-crash care.