The number of fatalities in crashes involving large trucks decreased in 2024 -- the most recent year for vehicle-specific crash data -- while total highway fatalities fell in both 2024 and 2025, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NHTSA this week released its “Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes In 2024” research note, as well as its “Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate in 2025.”
There were 1,771 fewer people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roadways during 2024 -- a 4.3% decrease from 41,025 in 2023 to 39,254. NHTSA’s early estimate for 2025 reveals an even sharper decline in highway fatalities with an estimated 36,640 people killed, a decline of about 6.7% compared to 2024 fatalities.
The fourth quarter of 2025 is the 15th consecutive quarterly decline in fatalities, which began with the second quarter of 2022.
If the numbers hold, the estimated percentage decrease for 2025 would be the fifth largest in the recorded history of NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the agency said.NHTSA
The decrease in fatalities in 2025 corresponded with vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2025 increasing by an estimated 29.8 billion miles, a 0.9% miles increase. 2025’s fatality rate dropped to 1.10 fatalities per 100 million VMT, down from the reported rate of 1.19 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2024, making it the second lowest fatality rate in recorded history (behind only the 1.08 rate observed in 2014).
NHTSA added that all 10 regions across the U.S. are projected to have decreases in fatalities and fatality rate per 100 million VMT in 2025 as compared to 2024.NHTSA
Additionally, 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are projected to have decreases in fatalities.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy, American roads are safer,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. “The Trump Administration has a strong relationship with our law enforcement partners responsible for keeping our communities safe. NHTSA is doing our part by doubling down on safety strategies that reduce risky driving behaviors before they cost lives.”
[Related: Large truck fatal crashes: FMCSA to study contributing factors]
In 2024, vehicle-specific statistics show the number of people killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks decreased 2.5% from 2023. For the purposes of NHTSA’s reports, “large trucks” include commercial and non-commercial trucks with GVWRs of over 10,000 pounds.
This chart shows the overall change by vehicle type of people killed and injured in crashes from 2023 to 2024.NHTSA
Among fatalities in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2024:
- Large-truck occupant fatalities in single-vehicle crashes decreased by 35, a 5.9% fall from 2023.
- Truck occupant fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes decreased by 7, 1.9% less than in 2023.
- Occupants of other vehicles killed decreased by 90, a 2.3% fall.
- Nonoccupants (pedestrians and pedalcyclists) killed fell by 6, a 0.9% decrease.
Injuries, however, were up by 5% in truck-involved crashes. Among the estimated number of people injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2024:
- Large-truck occupants injured in single-vehicle crashes increased by 1,515, 12% above 2023 levels.
- Truck occupants injured in multi-vehicle crashes decreased by 1,799, a 6.3% decline.
- Occupants of other vehicles who were injured increased by 8,809, an 8.2% jump.
- Nonoccupants injured fell 809, a 20% decrease.
A more detailed look at NHTSA large truck-involved crash fatality and injury data in the recent report.NHTSA
[Related: Victims’ advocates distort truck crash data -- yet again]
