Key facts
- U.S. traffic deaths decreased by 4.3% in the first quarter of 2026.
- A total of 7,770 traffic fatalities were recorded in the first three months of 2026.
- The fatality rate fell to 0.99 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
- This marks the lowest quarterly fatality rate since 2014.
- New Jersey saw a 15% drop in traffic fatalities in 2025 compared to 2024.
U.S. traffic fatalities decreased by 4.3% in the first three months of 2026, reaching 7,770 deaths. This decline brings the fatality rate to 0.99 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the lowest quarterly figure recorded since 2014. The reduction follows a period of increased road fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In New Jersey, traffic fatalities saw a significant decrease in 2025, dropping by approximately 15% compared to the previous year. State Police data indicated that 576 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2025, down from 684 fatalities in 2024.