There were an estimated 352 Massachusetts traffic fatalities in 2025, a 3% decrease from 2024, according to NHTSA data. Nationally, fatalities declined 6.7% year over year.
Massachusetts Traffic Fatalities Decline in 2025
New data issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed significant progress in decreasing U.S. traffic deaths, noting a continued decline in Massachusetts traffic fatalities as well. According to preliminary 2025 figures, U.S. traffic deaths fell 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, with 36,640 total fatalities reported as opposed to 39,254 in 2024.
As for Massachusetts, the NHSTA saw a 3% decrease in traffic fatalities last year, following the national trend. More specifically, while the NHTSA reported that 363 people died on Massachusetts roadways in 2024, up 6% from 342 in 2023, early estimates for 2025 show a 3% decrease in 2025 to 352 fatalities.
“This decrease signifies a major step in the right direction for traffic safety,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson. “This is much needed progress, but over 36,000 deaths on our nation’s roads are still far too many lives lost. We can build on this positive momentum by ensuring policymakers, advocates and industry stakeholders continue working toward the shared goal of making 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.”
2024 Data Shows Broad-Based Declines Across Road User Categories
Finalized 2024 data show decreases in fatalities across multiple road user categories:
| Road user | 2024 fatalities | 2023 fatalities | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicle occupant | 22,713 | 24,017 | -5.4% |
| Large truck occupant | 920 | 962 | -4.4% |
| Pedestrian | 7,080 | 7,367 | -3.9% |
| Motorcyclist | 6,228 | 6,366 | -2.2% |
| Pedalcyclist | 1,103 | 1,173 | -6.0% |
However, there were two categories noted where fatalities increased rather than decreased in 2024:
- Crashes involving older drivers: up 1.4%
- SUV occupant fatalities: up 1.6%
Massachusetts Fatalities Rose in 2024 Before Declining in 2025
In Massachusetts, NHTSA reported 363 traffic fatalities in 2024, a 6% increase from 342 deaths in 2023.
Early estimates for 2025 show fatalities declining 3% to 352 deaths.
The data reflect a reversal following the 2024 increase, aligning Massachusetts with the broader national trend of declining roadway fatalities.
