Road deaths caused by vehicle crashes fell 4 percent during the first half of 2014, according to the National Safety Council.
From January to June, there were 16,180 traffic deaths on U.S. roads compared to 16,860 through the same period in 2013.
Traffic Fatalities Fall 4 Percent Through June
Road deaths caused by vehicle crashes fell 4 percent during the first half of 2014, according to the National Safety Council. From January to June, there were 16,180 traffic deaths on U.S. roads.
by Staff
August 13, 20141 min to read
"Studies show that 90 percent of crashes involve driver error, including speeding, alcohol use and distractions," said Deborah Hersman, president and CEO for the council. "Although it's encouraging to see a decrease in fatalities, the unfortunate fact remains that many of these crashes could have been prevented."
Motor vehicle crashes present a significant national cost in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses, administrative expenses, employer costs and property damage. The preliminary cost of motor vehicle deaths, injuries and property damage through June fell 3 percent to $123 billion, the council reported.
More Safety
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
Pedestrian Safety Starts With the Driver
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Sponsored•March 30, 2026
Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
Pedestrian Deaths Drop in First Half of 2025, Marking Largest Decline in Years
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →