The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its early estimates of traffic fatalities for the first half of 2024, revealing that traffic fatalities declined for the ninth quarter in a row.

An estimated 18,720 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, according to the NHTSA, a decrease of about 3.2% compared to 19,330 fatalities projected to have occurred in the first half of 2023.

The NHTSA estimates a decrease in fatalities in 31 states and Puerto Rico. The fatality rate in one state remained unchanged, while 18 states and the District of Columbia are projected to have experienced increases.   

However, a similar preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows an estimated 20,900 people died in preventable traffic crashes in the U.S. through the first six months of 2024. According to the report, the estimate is nearly unchanged compared to numbers from 2023.

Both reports mention an increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The NHTSA notes an increase of 0.8%, while the NSC mentions a similar increase but emphasizes that it had little impact on the fatality rate.

NHTSA Encourages Safer Vehicles with Technology Mandates

Despite the difference in reports, both organizations acknowledge the need for ongoing efforts to reduce traffic deaths.

"Reversing the rise in roadway deaths has been a top priority for this Department, so we're encouraged to see continued reductions in traffic fatalities — yet the overall proportions of this issue remain at crisis levels, and there is much more work to do," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

Since January 2021, NHTSA finalized many safety initiatives to reduce traffic deaths, such as a new requirement for passenger cars and light trucks to come equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by 2029. In coordination with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency continues to work toward finalizing a similar requirement for heavy vehicles.

These initiatives support the Department's National Roadway Safety Strategy, a comprehensive approach to significantly reducing severe injuries and deaths on the nation's highways, roads, and streets.  

NSC Supports Holistic Strategy to Eliminate Roadway Fatalities

On the other hand, the NSC highlights the importance of the Safe System Approach and the need for immediate implementation of lifesaving technologies.

"While it's encouraging that traffic fatalities have not increased in the first half of 2024, the fact that they remain unchanged highlights the urgent need for continued action," said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at the NSC.

According to survey findings the NSC released this past May, the Safe System Approach, which takes a holistic look at road safety to eliminate fatal motor vehicle crashes, is widely supported.

The NSC also showed support for the recently announced Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment roadmap by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which lays the groundwork to invite federal and state partners, private industry and safety advocates together to harness the power of wireless technology to save lives on U.S. roadways.

Even though the main contrast lies in the fatality estimates, the NHTSA and NSC emphasize the need for comprehensive and holistic road safety measures. The NSC notes the importance of safety advocacy and the need for nationwide cooperation to make safer roadways a reality.