Car accident statistics (U.S., 2023)

In 2023 — the most recent year with finalized federal data — 40,901 people were killed on U.S. roads. That was a decline from the year before, and preliminary 2024 estimates suggest the downward trend continued. The figures below come from NHTSA and are shown with their sources.

40,901

U.S. traffic deaths in 2023

NHTSA / FARS, 2023

~2.44M

People injured in crashes, 2023

NHTSA / FARS, 2023

1.26

Deaths per 100M vehicle miles traveled, 2023

NHTSA / FARS, 2023

39,345

Projected traffic deaths for 2024 (preliminary)

NHTSA early estimate, 2024 (preliminary)

The national picture in 2023

NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) recorded 40,901 traffic deaths in 2023, a down 4.3% change from 42,721 in 2022. An estimated ~2.44 million people were injured. The fatality rate fell to 1.26 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 1.34 in 2022. Source: NHTSA / FARS, 2023.

Preliminary 2024 estimate

NHTSA's early estimate projects 39,345 traffic deaths for 2024 — which would be the first year below 40,000 since 2020, with a rate of roughly ~1.20. These are preliminary, projected figures and may be revised as final data is compiled. Source: NHTSA early estimate, 2024.

What drives fatal crashes

Speeding-related deaths (2023)	11,775 — about 29% of all traffic deaths. Source
Distraction-affected deaths (2023)	3,275 — about 8.0% of the total (often under-reported). Source
Alcohol-impaired-driving deaths (2023)	12,429 — about 30% of the total. See our DUI statistics.

Speeding, distraction, and impairment are three of the largest and most recurring contributors to fatal crashes. Because these factors often overlap in a single crash, they should not be added together as if they were separate causes.

Related road-safety statistics

Pedestrian accident statistics — 7,314 pedestrians killed in 2023.
Motorcycle accident statistics — 6,335 rider deaths, a record high.
Truck accident statistics — 4,354 large-truck crash deaths.
DUI / drunk-driving statistics — 12,429 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths.

Frequently asked questions

How many people die in car accidents each year in the U.S.?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 40,901 people killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023, down 4.3% from 42,721 in 2022. NHTSA's preliminary early estimate projects 39,345 deaths for 2024 — which would be the first year below 40,000 since 2020.

How many people are injured in crashes each year?

NHTSA estimates about 2.44 million people were injured in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2023.

Is the U.S. traffic-death rate going up or down?

The rate has been falling. The fatality rate was 1.26 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, down from 1.34 in 2022. NHTSA's preliminary 2024 estimate points to a rate of roughly 1.20.

How big a factor is speeding?

Speeding was a factor in 11,775 traffic deaths in 2023 — about 29% of all fatalities that year, according to NHTSA.

How many deaths involve distracted driving?

NHTSA attributes 3,275 deaths in 2023 to distraction-affected crashes, roughly 8.0% of the total. Because distraction is often under-reported, the true figure may be higher.

Not professional advice: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, medical, insurance, or professional advice.

Sources

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