Traffic fatalities increased more than 10% in 2021, according to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The increase came along with a rise in out-of-state travel and greater miles traveled in 2021, rebounding after stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Most of the fatalities occurred on multilane highways and freeways.
Fatality rates, calculated by the number of deaths per 100 million miles traveled, have steadily decreased over time. Much of that decline can be attributed to advances in car safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes. Laws requiring seat belt usage also helped reduce traffic fatalities. Since 1990, traffic fatality rates have stayed under two deaths per 100 million miles traveled.
Where do traffic fatalities occur?
The most dangerous roadways are urban arterial roads, which include multilane highways, freeways, and other roads that connect the urban interstate system. Urban arterial roads also have the highest traffic volumes of any road type.
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Urban collector and rural arterial roads have the next highest fatality count despite smaller volumes of traffic than urban roads. Rural freeways and expressways had the lowest number of fatalities, despite having higher than average speed limits.
In 2021, 24 states had a higher traffic fatality rate than the national average of 1.34 per 100 million miles. The South had the highest average fatality rate of any other region.
Crashes occurring during the daytime and nighttime increased at similar rates, up 11% and 12% respectively in 2021. Weekends and weekdays also had similar increases in crashes, up 11% and 10%.
August, September, and October had the highest fatalities rates in 2021. Historically, traffic fatality rates are highest in summer and fall months.
Are alcohol-related traffic fatalities increasing?
Traffic fatalities involving alcohol have steadily decreased since 1990. Alcohol-related crashes were once about half of all traffic fatalities, but have decreased to about 30% to 40% in the last two decades.
Alcohol-related fatalities increased by nearly 13% in 2021, totaling 13,876. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, fatalities continue to increase when compared with pre-pandemic numbers.
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Page sources and methodology
All of the data on the page was sourced directly from government agencies. The analysis and final review was performed by USAFacts.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Newly Released Estimates Show Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Traffic Safety Facts Annual Report Tables
