America’s road-death rate has fallen dramatically over time
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the US, 1900-2025.
A line chart showing the US traffic fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled from 1900 through 2025. The rate peaked at about 45.33 deaths per 100 million VMT in 1909, fell steeply through the mid-20th century, rose during the pandemic, and then declined to 1.10 in projected 2025 data.
