Traffic Fatalities Decline for a Third-Straight Year 2019, According to New Data

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System released its preliminary estimates this week.

1 minute read

May 6, 2020, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Road Safety

Oregon Department of Transportation / Flickr

New data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on March 5 showed a third consecutive year of decreasing traffic-related deaths in 2019. 

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data estimates that 36,120 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. "This represents an estimated decrease of about 440 (down 1.2%) from the reported 36,560 fatalities in 2018, even though Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) increased by 0.9%," according to the press release. " As a result, the fatality rate for 2019 was 1.10 fatalities per 100 million VMT, down from 1.13 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2018."

The 2019 data also estimates that pedestrian fatalities caused by automobile drivers also decreased by 2% compared to 2018, when pedestrian fatalities increased. Revised traffic fatality estimates were released in October of last year.


Tuesday, May 5, 2020 in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog