Traffic Deaths Dip for Ninth Straight Quarter

Traffic deaths around the country are showing a slow but steady decline, but fatalities remain above pre-pandemic levels.

1 minute read

September 9, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of yellow and black 'Pedestrians Ahead' sign with blurred farmhouse and road in background.

George Sheldon / Adobe Stock

New data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a drop in traffic deaths for the third year running in the first half of 2024. According to an article by Tyson Fisher in Land Line, “Traffic fatalities dropped by 3.5% in the first three months of this year and nearly 3% in April through June. The second quarter decrease is the ninth consecutive quarterly drop that began in the second quarter of 2022.”

Seven of 10 geographic regions experienced a drop in fatalities. Traffic deaths in the region encompassing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee dropped by 9 percent, while the region including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania saw an increase of 4 percent. 

Fisher notes the pandemic’s disruptive effect on transportation, adding that traffic fatalities were steadily dropping prior to 2020. “However, the rate jumped to 1.34 in 2020, the highest it has been since 2007 when it hit 1.36. Although last year’s rate of 1.26 is the highest since 2008, it has been going down the road toward pre-pandemic levels.”

Friday, September 6, 2024 in Land Line

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Man sitting on bench sillhouetted against golden hour trees in tranquil park.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies

Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

15 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of gold-covered New Jersey state capitol dome in Trenton, New Jersey at dusk.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms

The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

1 hour ago - New Jersey Monitor

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard