US motor vehicle deaths drop slightly in first half of 2017, but remain higher than two years ago

Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate motor vehicle deaths in the first six months of 2017 are one per cent lower than they were during the same six-month period in 2016. However, it says the country is fresh off the steepest estimated two-year increase in motor vehicle deaths since 1964 and it is too early to conclude whether the upward trend is over. The estimated deaths during the first six months of 2017 still are eight per cent higher than the 2015 six-month estimates, and the
August 17, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Preliminary estimates from the 4953 National Safety Council indicate motor vehicle deaths in the first six months of 2017 are one per cent lower than they were during the same six-month period in 2016. However, it says the country is fresh off the steepest estimated two-year increase in motor vehicle deaths since 1964 and it is too early to conclude whether the upward trend is over.


The estimated deaths during the first six months of 2017 still are eight per cent higher than the 2015 six-month estimates, and the final six months of the calendar year – July to December – tend to be deadlier than the first six. An estimated 18,680 people have been killed on U.S. roads since January and 2.1 million were seriously injured. The total estimated cost of these deaths and injuries is US$191 billion.

"The price of our cultural complacency is more than a hundred fatalities each day," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "Although the numbers may be levelling off, the Road to Zero deaths will require accelerating improvements in technology, engaging drivers and investing in our infrastructure."

The National Safety Council has tracked fatality trends and issued estimates for nearly 100 years. Last winter, the Council estimated as many as 40,000 people were killed on the roads in 2016, a six per cent rise over 2015 and the largest two-year percentage increase in deaths in 53 years. Those estimates, as well as the 2017 preliminary estimates, are subject to slight increases and decreases as the data mature.   

Factors impacting motor vehicle fatality trends include an improved economy and lower gas prices, both of which have helped fuel a 1.7 percent increase in miles driven from 2016 to 2017.

Parking & Access Control

Related Content

  • February 19, 2016
    Stronger economy ‘likely to be a factor’ in increase in US motor vehicle deaths
    Preliminary estimates from the US National Safety Council indicate motor vehicle deaths were eight per cent higher in 2015 than they were in 2014, the largest year-over-year percentage increase in 50 years. The National Safety Council estimates 38,300 people were killed on US roads and 4.4 million were seriously injured, meaning 2015 likely was the deadliest driving year since 2008. Over the last year at the state level, the National Safety Council estimates Oregon, Georgia. Florida and South Carolina al
    Read More
  • August 24, 2016
    No sign of a decrease in motor fatalities says National Safety Council
    Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate that motor vehicle deaths in the US were nine per cent higher through the first six months of 2016 than in 2015, and 18 per cent higher than two years ago at the six month mark. An estimated 19,100 people have been killed on US roads since January and 2.2 million were seriously injured. The total estimated cost of these deaths and injuries is US$205 billion. The upward trend began in late 2014 and shows no signs of decreasing. Last winter, t
    Read More
  • August 13, 2014
    National Safety Council estimates traffic fatalities down in first half of 2014
    Preliminary data collected by the US National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2014 are down four per cent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2014, 16,180 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 16,860 in 2013. Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.
    Read More
  • December 22, 2015
    US traffic fatalities fall in 2014, but early estimates show 2015 trending higher
    The US saw a slight decline in traffic deaths during 2014, according to the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, an increase in estimated fatalities during the first six months of this year reveals a need to reinvigorate the fight against deadly behaviour on America's roads, NHSA says.
    Read More

Highlighted Content