Road Deaths Fell in Q1
NHTSA data marks eight-quarter decrease, though fatalities rose in many states.
Even with the decrease, first-quarter traffic crashes resulted in 8,650 deaths.
Pexels/Pixabay
Traffic fatalities continued a multiquarter decline, hitting two straight years of decreases in the first quarter.
The 3% year-over-year drop translates to a fatality rate of 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 1.18 a year earlier, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
The downward trend comes even as vehicle miles traveled rise, albeit modestly in the first quarter at 0.6%.
Even with the decrease, first-quarter traffic crashes resulted in 8,650 deaths. The federal agency said it’s focused on cutting preventable fatalities. It cited 2023 initiatives, including a new U.S. requirement that automatic emergency braking come standard in passenger cars and light trucks by the fall of 2029.
On an individual state basis, it estimates that traffic deaths fell in the first quarter in 30 states and Puerto Rico, and were flat in one state but rose in 19 states and Washington, D.C.
More Industry
Automaker Advances Safety for All
A new report by Volvo Cars Safety Centre analyzed the impact of 50 years' worth of research in automotive safety development
Read More →
Kentucky Store Leaves Family
An auto group stretched across three states picked up the Lexington-area Ford fixture as its second store for the brand in the state.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Brands Falling Behind
Asian auto brands are outpacing U.S. brands in stateside new-vehicle sales. Learn more in this week's Dealer Debrief with Lauren!
Read More →
U.S. EV Market Update | Dealer Debrief
The U.S. electric vehicle market is slowly recovering from the loss of the federal EV tax credit last fall. Learn more in this week's Dealer Debrief!
Read More →
Auto Finance Numbers Set Records
Third-quarter data show how consumers are adapting to ongoing affordability challenges facing the new- and-used-vehicle markets.
Read More →
Auto Dealerships Can’t Afford to Ignore the 50+ Consumer
Younger generations may be all the buzz today when it comes to product marketing targets, but their older cohorts command a sizable share of purchasing power.
Read More →
Savings Seekers Boost U.S. Automakers’ Rivals
As consumers here look for ways to curb inflation’s affect on their budgets, brands offering plenty of alternative powertrains are closing in on home-grown OEMs.
Read More →
The Slow Electric Ascent
Second-quarter data show that the electric-vehicle market in the U.S. is inching up, the majority of states seeing a month-over-month increase.
Read More →
Safer Rides & Cyberattacks
Vehicle crash testing is getting a virtual boost, but auto dealerships are facing increased cyberattacks. Learn more in this week's Dealer Debrief!
Read More →
Affordability Angst | Dealer Debrief
August saw little relief for car buyers, whether they were shopping new or used. Take a look at the month's breakdown in this week's Dealer Debrief!
Read More →