U.S. Traffic Deaths Fall in 2024—But Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities Remain Alarmingly High

NHTSA Data Shows 3.8% Drop in Road Fatalities, But Injury Rates and Vulnerable Road User Deaths Signal Ongoing Safety Crisis

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its latest data, showing that traffic deaths in the United States fell by 3.8% in 2024, totaling 39,345 fatalities. This marks the first time since 2020 that the annual number of roadway deaths has dropped below the 40,000 mark. While this development may appear promising at first glance, the deeper picture reveals troubling trends—especially for pedestrians, bicyclists, and the millions of Americans injured in car crashes every year.

Fatalities remain higher than pre-COVID levels, and the data shows a troubling rise in serious injuries and deaths involving the most vulnerable people on the road. The NHTSA noted that cyclist deaths reached their highest point since at least 1980, while 2.2 million people were injured in crashes. These figures reflect a growing concern about driver behavior, infrastructure weaknesses, and the adequacy of traffic enforcement, especially in urban and suburban communities where vulnerable road users face daily risks.

For victims and their families, these numbers are more than statistics—they represent real-life trauma, loss, and long-term consequences. As a national personal injury law firm, Parker Waichman LLP continues to stand with those who have been harmed on American roads due to driver negligence, unsafe vehicle conditions, and systemic failures.

U.S. Road Fatalities Fell Last Year

According to the NHTSA’s preliminary report, the number of people who died in traffic crashes dropped from over 40,000 in 2023 to 39,345 in 2024, a 3.8% decrease. While any reduction in fatalities is welcome, this decline follows years of dangerous spikes.

Between 2020 and 2022, traffic deaths surged to levels not seen since 2005. The pandemic led to fewer cars on the road but paradoxically encouraged riskier driving behavior, including:

• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Failure to wear seatbelts

In 2021, road deaths increased by 10.8% to 43,230—a staggering figure that highlighted a fragile traffic safety environment. By comparison, the 2024 numbers suggest modest progress, but not a solution. The 2024 fatality rate dropped to 1.20 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)—its lowest since 2019, yet still higher than the pre-pandemic average of 1.13.

Pedestrians and Cyclists Continue to Bear the Brunt

While the total number of deaths declined in 2024, bicyclist fatalities climbed 4.4% in 2023 to 1,166—the highest number in more than four decades. Injuries among cyclists increased 8.2%, totaling nearly 50,000 in a single year.

Meanwhile, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in 2023, a 3.7% drop from the 7,522 deaths recorded

in 2022, which was the highest since 1981. Although this slight decline offers some hope, the current levels remain unacceptably high, especially considering widespread efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure and safety campaigns nationwide.

Many of these deaths occur in cities and suburban areas where:

• Crosswalks are poorly marked or lit
• Speeding vehicles ignore pedestrian zones
• Bike lanes are nonexistent or poorly maintained
• Drivers fail to yield

For injured cyclists and pedestrians, the consequences often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Multiple fractures
• Permanent disability
• Long-term rehabilitation needs

Injury Rates Are Climbing—Millions Affected

Beyond fatalities, crash-related injuries continue to rise. The NHTSA’s 2023 data indicate that 2.2 million people were injured in vehicle crashes, representing a 2.5% increase from the previous year.

These injuries range from whiplash and soft-tissue trauma to catastrophic harm like:

• Burn injuries from post-crash fires
• Internal organ damage
• Facial trauma requiring reconstructive surgery
• Amputations due to crush injuries

For victims, the toll isn’t just physical. The financial burden of medical bills, lost income, and long-term care often pushes families to the brink. Emotional trauma, PTSD, and relationship strains add further layers of suffering.

Many injured victims also discover that:

• The at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured
• Insurance adjusters delay or deny valid claims
• Critical evidence (like dashcam footage or skid marks) is lost if not preserved quickly

Why Fatalities Remain Higher Than Before COVID

Despite the recent drop, traffic deaths in 2024 are still 8% higher than 2019’s total of 36,355. The pandemic altered driving patterns in ways that persist to this day.

Contributing factors include:

• Reduced police presence or public perception of lax enforcement
• An increase in aggressive driving behaviors
• More multi-use vehicles (SUVs and trucks), which cause more severe injuries to pedestrians and cyclists
• Growth in rideshare and delivery driving which increases road congestion and driving fatigue

These dynamics have reshaped how personal injury attorneys approach auto accident claims. Today’s cases often involve complex multi-party liability, including:

• Corporate rideshare policies
• Third-party delivery services
• Commercial vehicle owners
• Municipal liability for dangerous road conditions

Legal Rights for Car Crash Victims and Families

Individuals who suffer serious injuries—or families who lose a loved one—in a traffic accident have legal rights. If another party’s negligence caused the collision, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, medication)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Wrongful death damages
• Funeral and burial costs

Common forms of driver negligence include:

• Speeding through residential zones
• Distracted driving (texting while driving)
• Driving under the influence
• Ignoring traffic signals or signs
• Failure to yield to pedestrians or cyclists

At Parker Waichman LLP, our attorneys handle a wide range of motor vehicle cases, including:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Bicycle and pedestrian injury claims
• Trucking accidents
• Drunk driving injury lawsuits
• Wrongful death litigation for traffic fatalities

Why You Need a Personal Injury Law Firm

Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of a personal injury case. Parker Waichman LLP is a national law firm that has recovered billions of dollars for clients harmed by negligence.

Our team understands the full impact of traffic injuries and fatalities and offers:

• Free consultations to evaluate your claim
• Access to medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and economists
• 24/7 support during the claims and litigation process
• Contingency-fee representation (you pay nothing unless we win your case)

Whether you were injured in a crash, lost a loved one in a preventable accident, or are unsure of your rights, our legal team is ready to listen, investigate, and take action.

New York Accident Claim Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many people were killed in car crashes in 2024?

According to the NHTSA, 39,345 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from the previous year. This is the lowest fatality number since 2020, but still well above pre-pandemic levels.

Why are cyclist and pedestrian deaths still so high?

Factors include increased driver distraction, larger and heavier vehicles, poor road infrastructure, and failure to enforce traffic laws. Many roads remain unsafe for non-motorized users despite decades of advocacy for safer conditions.

What if I was injured in a crash but the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may still be eligible for compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Our firm can review your policy and pursue every available source of recovery.

Can I file a lawsuit if my loved one died in a crash caused by a negligent driver?

Yes. Surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional loss. These cases often uncover additional liable parties, such as commercial vehicle owners or manufacturers.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident?

Each state has a different statute of limitations, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years. Delaying can weaken your case, especially if evidence is lost. It’s best to speak with an attorney immediately after a crash.

What compensation can I recover in a traffic injury lawsuit?

Victims may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care costs, and property damage. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also apply.

Is a free consultation really free?

Yes. At Parker Waichman LLP, we offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. We only get paid if we secure compensation on your behalf.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone in your family was seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident, you have legal rights. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm with a long track record of holding negligent drivers, corporations, and insurance companies accountable.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for your free consultation. Our attorneys are standing by to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.