However, Data Shows a 4.2% Rise in Teen Fatalities
Significant progress has been made in reducing nationwide fatalities from traffic deaths over the past three years. New numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show final statistics for traffic deaths in 2023 (40,901 fatalities) and new projections for deaths in 2024 (39,345 fatalities) were both down from the high of 42,721 fatalities recorded in 2022. It is the first time since 2020, that fatalities have now numbered under 40,000. The fourth quarter of 2024 represents the 11th consecutive quarterly decline in fatalities beginning with the second quarter of 2022.
“Over 39,000 fatalities are still far too many,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast said in an official announcement on the latest data. “Policymakers, advocates and industry stakeholders must continue to collaborate to make all aspects of our transportation system safer: designing safer roads and safer vehicles, keeping vehicle speeds at a safe level and encouraging people to make safer choices behind the wheel.”
Finalized 2023 data shows that there were decreases in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants, large-truck occupants and pedestrians, but increases in fatalities among motorcyclists and pedalcyclists.
There was also a 4.2% rise in fatalities in traffic crashes involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20.
| Road user | 2023 fatalities | 2022 fatalities | % change |
| Passenger vehicle occupant | 23,959 | 25,500 | -6% |
| Large truck occupant | 961 | 1,098 | -12% |
| Pedestrian | 7,314 | 7,593 | -3.7% |
| Motorcyclist | 6,335 | 6,251 | +1.3% |
| Pedalcyclist | 1,166 | 1,117 | +4.4% |
Massachusetts unfortunately bucking the trend
While the numbers are good nationally, local numbers show cause for concern.
“While the early estimates for 2024 show a positive trend overall, they also show an increase in traffic fatalities in Massachusetts, a worrying trend,” added Mr. Schieldrop.
NHTSA reported that 343 people died on Massachusetts roadways in 2023, down 21% from 435 in 2022. But early estimates for 2024 tell a different story, with fatalities increasing by 7.3% to 368.
Of the New England states, Connecticut saw a similar increase in fatalities to Massachusetts, with 308 in 2023 rising to 330 in 2024 representing a +7.1% increase. New Hampshire had a much smaller increase in deaths, seeing a +3.8 increase from 130 fatalities in 2023 to 135 in 2024. Maine, however, shows the most worrying trend in fatalities with a 32.6+ rise from during the one-year period. Deaths increased from 135 in 2023 to 179 in 2024.
As for Rhode Island and Vermont, both showed positive trends in a reduction of fatalities in their states. Vermont saw a -14.5% decrease in fatalities from 69 in 2023 to 59 in 2024. Rhode Island, however, saw the largest decrease in fatalities in New England with a -26.8% decrease from 71 fatalities in 2023 to 52 in 2024.
