Traffic fatalities down in 2018 according to early estimate by NHTSA

(June 18, 2019) A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for 2018 shows that an estimated 36,750 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes representing a slight decrease of about 1.0 percent as compared to the 37,133 fatalities that were reported to have occurred in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Preliminary data shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2018 increased by about 12.2 billion miles, or about a 0.4-percent increase. The fatality rate for 2018 was 1.14 fatalities per 100 million VMT, down from 1.16 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2017.

The fourth quarter of 2018 represents the seventh consecutive quarter with year-to-year decreases in fatalities and the fatality rate. Fatalities are projected to have decreased by 1.8 percent during the fourth quarter of 2018. Analysis to generate gross estimates of changes reveals slight decreases in driver, passenger, and motorcyclist deaths for the nation in 2018 as compared to 2017.



Fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck, pedestrian fatalities, and pedalcyclist fatalities are projected to increase by 3, 4, and 10 percent, respectively. Older drivers (65+) involved in fatal crashes also saw a slight increase. Also, 6 out of 10 NHTSA Regions are estimated to have decreases in fatalities in 2018 as compared to 2017.

The fatality counts for 2017 and 2018 and the ensuing percentage change from 2017 to 2018 will be further revised as the final file for 2017 and the annual reporting file for 2018 are available later this year. These estimates may be further refined when the projections for the first quarter of 2019 are released in late spring.