Data Shows Decline in Motor Vehicle Deaths

Itasca, Ill. – The National Safety Council is encouraged by final data released Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing that in 2018, motor vehicle deaths declined slightly for a second straight year and crashes in the first part of 2019 are slightly down, too. Both trends are in line with the data tracked by NSC. After a sustained period of rising fatalities, it is encouraging to see the uptick in deaths ebbing, possibly signaling an end to one of the worst increases since the 1950s.

However, on a typical day we still lose 100 people on our roadways, and the data are especially troublesome when looking at increasing fatalities for pedestrians and bicyclists. Focusing on the road to zero is more important than ever. We can eliminate a leading cause of preventable death by embracing proven countermeasures such as enforcing speed limits and seat belt laws, as well as advancing technology and improving our infrastructure. NSC welcomes this hopeful news, but we remind everyone not to rest until we get to zero.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact.