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A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for 2023 shows an estimated 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, a decrease of about 3.6 percent as compared to 42,514 fatalities reported to have occurred in 2022. The fourth quarter of 2023 represents the seventh consecutive quarterly decline in fatalities beginning with the second quarter of […]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration works to reduce the occurrence of distracted driving and raise awareness of its dangers. This risky driving behavior poses a danger not only to vehicle occupants but pedestrians and pedalcyclists as well. Driver distraction is a specific type of driver inattention that occurs when drivers divert attention from the […]
Speeding is a significant safety concern and has contributed to almost one-third of road fatalities in the past 20 years. This research investigated whether changing to higher posted speed limits on Interstates can cause spillover effects, or a systemic propagation of speeding behaviors that results in more crashes at nearby road segments. Findings presented in […]
Our Roads, Our Safety Week (May 5-11, 2024) is a national, annual safety observance dedicated to raising awareness on how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses. Together with the larger safety community, FMCSA is committed to sharing safety tips, resources, and materials that help improve road safety and reach zero roadway deaths. […]
Access to transportation may be required for many daily tasks, including going to work, health care visits, and obtaining groceries. Previous research suggests that a lack of transportation, especially among adults who are older, uninsured, and have lower incomes, leads to reduced access to health care, which may then lead to adverse health outcomes (1,2). […]
The aging of the population in the United States (U.S.), particularly the “baby boomers,” is bringing about new challenges to maintaining safe mobility for older adults that are well recognized in the transportation community. As research continues to better understand and respond to these challenges, three complementary and interdependent goals have emerged: 1) to help […]
Work zones present many challenges for trucks and buses – narrow lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven road surfaces require all drivers to stay alert. In fact, large trucks are over represented in work zone crashes, making up nearly one-third of fatal work zone crashes. It’s critical that all road users approach work […]
The following pages highlight a subset of the PSCs with direct application in rural areas. The highlights describe the PSC, include considerations, crash reduction effectiveness, and case studies and resources. This guide is organized by these focus areas and includes a crosscutting section for PSCs that apply to more than one area. Within this guide, […]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 91,000 police-reported crashes resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 fatalities annually—amounting to approximately 1%–2% of all crashes, injuries, and deaths—involve drowsy driving; however, the contribution of drowsy driving in motor vehicle crashes is difficult to measure. Although reports by police officers who investigate crashes sometimes indicate […]
This study explored how children are restrained when traveling in ride-share vehicles. An observational survey was conducted from July to August 2022. The target population was children from birth to 12 years old transported in ride-share vehicles. About half of children observed were traveling unrestrained and the remainder were either using the vehicle seat belt […]