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Car Accident Statistics 2023 vs 2024 vs 2025: What Changed in the Latest NHTSA Data

By AutoInsuranceBundle.pro · Published November 5, 2026 · Reviewed November 5, 2026

Short answer: U.S. traffic deaths fell from 41,025 in 2023 to 39,254 in 2024 (-4.3%), and NHTSA's latest early estimate shows a further drop to 36,640 in 2025 (-6.7%, 1.10 deaths per 100 million miles). The 40,901 figure in NHTSA Quick Facts 2023 was an earlier count for 2023.

⬇ Download the free PDF (2023 vs 2024 vs 2025) 2-page PDF with both tables and sources

What changed vs NHTSA Quick Facts 2023

Quick Facts 2023 column: NHTSA DOT HS 813 720. Latest 2023 and 2024 columns: NHTSA DOT HS 813 791 (FARS 2023 final file and FARS 2024 annual report file). 2024 pedestrian figure: IIHS Fatality Facts 2024. The latest 2023 pedestrian count is not shown in the 2024 overview, so we left it blank.

Crash and injury totals are estimates from NHTSA's CRSS sample, so they change slightly between releases. Fatality counts change because FARS adds late reports when NHTSA revises each year.

Get both tables in our free PDF.

2025: NHTSA's early estimate

Source: NHTSA DOT HS 813 800 (April 2026), a statistical projection. The 2025 death rate is projected at 1.10 per 100 million miles, down from 1.19, while driving rose about 0.9%. 39 states, DC and Puerto Rico are projected to have fewer deaths. Detailed 2025 breakdowns (crashes, injuries, alcohol, speeding) are not published yet; NHTSA expects the 2025 annual report file in early 2027.

The decline continued into 2026: NHTSA estimates 7,770 deaths in Q1 2026, down 4.3% from 8,120 (DOT HS 813 833).

Key statistics: 2024 vs 2023

• Deaths fell by 1,771, from 41,025 to 39,254 (NHTSA).
• The death rate fell from 1.26 to 1.19 per 100 million miles (NHTSA).
• Fatal crashes fell 3.9%, to 36,297 (NHTSA).
• Police-reported crashes rose 0.7% to an estimated 6,180,241, a change NHTSA says was not statistically significant (NHTSA).
• Injury crashes fell 1.2%, while property-damage-only crashes rose 1.4% (NHTSA).
• Alcohol-impaired-driving deaths fell 3.9% to 11,904, still 30% of all deaths (NHTSA).
• Speeding-related deaths fell 5.2% to 11,288 (NHTSA).
• Front-seat belt use dipped from 91.9% to 91.2%, a change NHTSA says was not statistically significant (NHTSA).
• 33 states and Puerto Rico had fewer deaths in 2024. California had the largest drop (293 fewer) and Minnesota the largest rise (75 more) (NHTSA).

What it means for drivers and insurance

Fewer people died, but crashes did not fall. Property-damage-only crashes actually rose. Those are the claims most drivers file, and repair costs have been rising. That is one reason premiums can rise even when roads get safer.

If your rate went up without a claim, ask your insurer what changed and compare a few quotes.

How to cite

FAQ

How many people died in car accidents in 2023?

41,025, according to NHTSA's FARS 2023 final file. Earlier publications, including Quick Facts 2023, showed 40,901.

Why did the 2023 number change?

The 40,901 figure came from the 2023 annual report file. NHTSA updates each year once more as late death reports arrive, which raised the 2023 count to 41,025 in the final file.

How many car accidents were there in 2023?

NHTSA estimates 6,138,474 police-reported crashes in 2023 and 6,180,241 in 2024.

Was 2024 safer than 2023?

For deaths, yes. Deaths fell 4.3% and the rate per mile fell from 1.26 to 1.19. Total crashes were about the same.

Will the 2024 numbers change too?

Probably slightly. The 2024 figures come from the FARS 2024 annual report file, which NHTSA revises once more (expected in early 2027).

What are the 2025 numbers?

NHTSA's early estimate is 36,640 deaths in 2025, down 6.7% from 2024, at 1.10 deaths per 100 million miles. It is a projection and will be revised.

Where can I find 2024 numbers by state?

See our car accident statistics by state table, with 2024 deaths, 2025 estimates and a CSV for all 50 states and DC, or download the US Car Accident Statistics 2026 PDF report.

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