U.S. traffic fatalities decline for fourth year despite rising pedestrian deaths

U.S. traffic fatalities have declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, according to a report by the nonprofit research firm TRIP. However, despite this recent downward trend, fatalities remain 3% higher than in 2015 levels. The report highlights a concerning rise in vulnerable road user deaths, noting an 8% increase in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities between 2020 and 2025.

Economic impacts of traffic accidents are substantial. Using methodology from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), TRIP estimated that fatal and serious crashes caused $1.75 trillion in societal harm, comprising $435 billion in economic costs and $1.32 trillion in quality-of-life costs.

In the commercial sector, the National Safety Council reported that large truck crashes killed 5,340 people in 2024, with over 120,000 injury-related crashes involving large trucks. Settlement values for these accidents vary based on injury severity, established liability, and specific state laws regarding fault.