America is seeing encouraging signs as we move through 2026. National traffic deaths declined again in 2024 and early 2025, and the fatality rate reached its lowest level since 2019. At the same time, the burden of crashes remains high for families and communities. This guide summarizes the most recent finalized national data (2023–2024), provisional 2025 estimates, and what early trends mean as we enter 2026.
A snapshot heading into 2026
- Early 2025 trends: Traffic fatalities fell 6.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, and the fatality rate dropped to 1.05 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—the lowest quarterly rate since early 2019. Source: NHTSA Q1 2025 press release.
- Most recent full year (2024): NHTSA estimates 39,345 traffic deaths and a national fatality rate of 1.20 per 100 million miles, both improvements from 2023. Sources: NHTSA press release and CrashStats 813710.
- Pedestrians: Governors Highway Safety Association estimates 7,148 people walking were killed in 2024, down 4.3 percent from 2023 but still above pre-pandemic levels. Source: GHSA 2024 pedestrian report.
How many people are dying and when
Final 2023 data recorded 40,901 deaths, after 2022’s peak. About one third of 2023 deaths occurred between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., and weekends carried the heaviest toll, with Saturday the single deadliest day. These patterns still guide safety enforcement and litigation analysis as we move through 2026. Sources: IIHS yearly snapshot and NSC time of day and day of week.
Key risk factors in the 2026 context
Speed
Speeding contributed to 11,775 deaths in 2023, 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. Speed remains a dominant factor in severe injury cases heading into 2026.
Alcohol impairment
Alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 12,429 deaths in 2023, about 30 percent of all fatalities. Nighttime and weekend crashes continue to show the highest impairment rates.
Distraction
Distraction-affected crash deaths totaled 3,275 in 2023. Phone use remains the primary concern as vehicle tech increases.
Seat belt use
Front-seat belt use held at 91.2 percent in 2024. Belt use continues to be one of the strongest predictors of survivability.
Motorcyclists
In 2023 there were 6,335 motorcyclist deaths and a fatality rate of 31.39 per 100 million miles—almost 28 times the passenger vehicle rate.
Large trucks
Crashes involving large trucks killed 5,472 people in 2023, with 70 percent being occupants of other vehicles.
Georgia at a glance
Georgia reported 1,466 roadway deaths in 2024. Of those, 20.1 percent were pedestrians, and 62 percent of victims were unbelted or belt use was unknown. These figures continue to shape enforcement and roadway design priorities as Georgia moves through 2026. Source: GDOT Drive Alert Arrive Alive.
What these numbers mean for Georgia crash claims in 2026
- Evidence is critical. Data trends guide strategy, but your case turns on proof.
- Timing and context still matter. Evening and weekend crashes remain higher risk.
- Pedestrians and truck cases demand precision. Visibility, stopping distance, and compliance are central issues.
- Damages go beyond bills. Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life remain core parts of claims.
Bottom line for 2026
National trends improved through 2024 and early 2025, but serious risk remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Speed, impairment, distraction, low visibility, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles continue to drive the most severe outcomes. As 2026 unfolds, these factors remain central to safety policy—and to building strong injury claims. If you or a loved one has been injured, Davies Hothem Injury Law can connect your facts to the right experts and strategies to pursue full compensation.
Areas We Serve
Davies Hothem Injury Law proudly represents car accident victims across North Georgia. We regularly serve clients in: