Car Accident Statistics 2024
The good news — fatal car accidents largely continued to decline across the United States in 2024, and in the first parts of 2025. The bad news is there are still far too many caused by negligent drivers and companies.
Today, we’ll detail some of the most important car accident statistics trends for 2024, and for the first parts of 2025. And If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call us today. We are experienced wrongful death and accident attorneys, and you may be entitled to compensation.
How Many People Died In Car Accidents in 2024, and How Does This Compare To Previous Years?
In 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated there were 39,345 traffic fatalities. This is the lowest fatality rate since 2019, and is a decrease of about 3.8% compared to 2023.
The rate of fatalities in as many as 35 different states have also decreased individually. In general, the average rate of car accident fatalities have been steadily declining since the 1970s.
What Were The Leading Causes Of Car Accidents In 2024?
According to the National Safety Council, “Risky driving behaviors remain major factors in roadway fatalities.” This includes behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving.
These behaviors also contribute to numerous injuries every year.
How Prevalent Was Drunk Driving In 2024 Car Accidents?
In 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that almost 13,000 people were killed by drunk drivers. They estimate that every day at least 34 people are killed by drunk drivers on average.
They further estimate drinking is involved in around 30% of traffic crashes on American roadways.
Which Age Groups And Genders Were Most Involved In Accidents?
Men are more likely to be involved in road accidents and to be killed by them. The number of crash deaths for men has been roughly double that for women since the 1970s.
Additionally, the young and the old are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes. Young men from 16 – 25 are the most likely to be involved in crashes, followed by those over 70.
What Locations Or Regions Had The Highest Number Of Accidents?
Only 14 states saw increases in accidents in 2024. Maine, California, and Alaska all showed increases.
Overall, Massachusetts had the highest car accident rate in 2024. Other states with high rates of accidents include those in the northwest, the plains, and the middle atlantic.
What Was The Economic Impact Of Car Accidents In 2024?
According to Advocates for Highway Safety, the cost of car accidents in 2024 was a staggering $417 billion dollars.
$130 billion was lost in workplace and household productivity, $141 billion in property damage costs, $108 billion in various other costs, and $38 billion in present and future medical costs.
How Did Different Types Of Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles) Factor Into Accidents?
While passenger vehicles like cars and trucks represent the majority of accidents total, motorcycles are much more fatal. Trucks and other commercial vehicles also play a large role in crashes.
How Have Safety Improvements (Seatbelts, Airbags, Tech) Influenced Accident Outcomes?
Traffic deaths have overall been steadily declining since the 1970s, primarily due to advances in road construction and design, and safety improvements in seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and other safety technology.
Better law enforcement of traffic violations has also been a factor.
What Trends or Changes Have Occurred Compared To Previous Years?
For more than two years, traffic fatalities have declined since spiking in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while general trends have been moving downward, in some regions or states fatalities, accidents are increasing.
What Do Auto Accident Trends Look Like In 2025?
Although complete numbers are not yet out for the year, traffic fatalities have decreased in the first quarter of the year. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration projected that traffic fatalities had declined about 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, with just over 8,055 lives lost due to crashes.
What Steps Can Drivers Take To Reduce Their Risk Of Accidents In 2025?
There are a few things drivers can do to keep themselves safe when on the roadways in 2025.
They include:
- Never drinking and driving.
- Always wearing your seatbelt.
- Purchasing modern cars with safety features like airbags and crumple zones.
- Not texting and driving.
- Not driving distracted, and always keeping your eyes and ears on the road.
- Always following the speed limit and other traffic laws.
- Maintaining your vehicle.
If you follow these rules, you should have a safer time on the road.
Been In An Accident In Colorado? Call Elite Litigation Group
Cars are likely the most deadly and dangerous thing most of us use everyday. If you have been involved in an automobile accident and believe you deserve compensation, call us for a free case review.
Every day we support families impacted by wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. We have also assembled a Victim’s Advocates Team, and are standing by for your call.