WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that traffic fatalities fell to near-record lows in 2025, with an estimated 36,640 people killed on American roads — down 6.7% from 39,254 deaths in 2024. The fatality rate of 1.10 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled marks the second-lowest in recorded history.
NHTSA reported that fatalities dropped in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The decline came even as Americans drove more — vehicle miles traveled increased by approximately 29.8 billion miles, about 0.9%, according to preliminary Federal Highway Administration data.
USDOT credited the improvement to strengthened law enforcement partnerships, cracking down on unqualified truckers operating big rigs, and making newer and safer vehicles more affordable for American families through the Freedom Means Affordable Cars initiative.
“President Trump and I are committed to keeping American families safe on our roads,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “In the past year alone, we’ve partnered with our incredible law enforcement officers to get dangerous foreign truck drivers off the roads and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and driving without a seat belt. At this Department, the safety and success of American families drive our work.”
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison added: “Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy, American roads are safer. NHTSA is doing our part by doubling down on safety strategies that reduce risky driving behaviors before they cost lives.”
Distracted Driving Push
USDOT made the announcement at an event marking April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. From April 6 through 13, NHTSA’s “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign will highlight the financial, legal, and deadly consequences of distracted driving. Eighteen people sustain injuries every half hour in distracted driving crashes. One person dies approximately every 2.5 hours.
The campaign kickoff featured remarks from NHTSA Administrator Morrison, FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs, Fairfield Connecticut Police Chief Michael Paris, and Patty Kruszewski of Virginia, a mother who lost her daughter in a distracted driving crash. Campaign ads are running across television, radio, and digital platforms.
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