WASHINGTON, DC – Traffic deaths in the U.S. decreased by 3.3% in the first half of this year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The decline is notable but still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The NHTSA estimated that 19,515 people died in traffic accidents from January to June. This figure is lower than the 20,190 deaths in the same period last year, yet significantly higher than the 17,065 deaths recorded in the first half of 2019.
The agency had previously reported a 10.5% increase in traffic deaths in 2021, marking 42,915 fatalities, the highest annual toll on American roads since 2005.