2023 Traffic Safety Culture Index

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January 30th, 2025

The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United Sates in 2023 (National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2024a). Although this perilously high number represents a small decline in motor vehicle related fatalities compared to 2022 (3.6%), each death represents an unacceptable human, societal, and economic cost. While causes of motor vehicle fatalities are complex, NHTSA reports risky driving behaviors such as speeding, alcohol involvement, and non-seat belt use are linked to tens of thousands of traffic deaths each year (National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2024b; National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2023a; National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2023b).

Read the full report here.