Each year in the United States, approximately 41,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes. Specifically, there were about 42,514 deaths in 2022 and around 40,990 deaths in 2023, marking a slight decline of about 3.6% from the previous year
. These fatalities represent a significant public safety issue, with causes including speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless behavior, and adverse weather conditions
. Despite advances in vehicle safety and traffic laws, motor vehicle deaths remain one of the leading causes of accidental death in the U.S.
. In summary:
- 2022: ~42,514 deaths
- 2023: ~40,990 deaths (a 3.6% decrease from 2022)
- Early 2024 data suggests continuing trends near 40,000 deaths annually
This data reflects only deaths occurring on public roads as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), excluding parking lots and private roads
