Global Road Deaths Down 21% Since 2011, Gaps Persist in Low‑Income Countries

A new WHO analysis shows worldwide road‑traffic deaths fell by 21 % between 2011 and 2025, after a 30 % drop from 1990 to 2023 reported in a Lancet Public Health study. The decline is uneven: 90 % of fatal crashes still occur in low‑ and middle‑income nations where safety measures lag behind those in wealthier countries.

In the United States, fatalities peaked at more than 43,000 in 2021 but fell to around 36,600 in 2024, aided by tighter seat‑belt enforcement and efforts to curb distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Governors Highway Safety Association note a 7 % reduction in pedestrian deaths in 2025.

The World Health Organization announced a UN General Assembly declaration urging member states to accelerate road‑safety actions and meet the Sustainable Development Goal of cutting road deaths by half by 2030. The declaration calls for stronger legislation, better data, and the adoption of a “safe‑system” approach that accounts for human error.

Despite progress, more than 1.1 million people were killed in road crashes in 2024, remaining the leading cause of death for those aged 5‑29 years. Continued investment in infrastructure, vehicle safety technology, and enforcement is needed to close the gap between rich and poor regions.