Nearly 40,000 Americans Are Killed In Car Accidents Every Year

By bwhlawoffices | Updated on February 6, 2026

Each year, tens of thousands of US citizens lose their lives in car accidents on America’s roads and highways, with many more people suffering life-altering injuries. While the cause of an accident can vary significantly from case to case, some of the most common reasons people experience severe or fatal car accidents include reckless, intoxicated, or distracted driving, along with harsh weather conditions or other external factors.

In this article, we’re looking at national and Georgia-specific car accident statistics to help drivers, families, policymakers, and safety advocates make more informed decisions about auto accident risk and prevention.

National Data About Car Accidents, 2024-2025

In 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released early estimated data for the 2024 calendar year that included the following:

An estimated 39,345 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes across the United States in 2024.

This figure represents a 3.8 percent decrease from the approximately 40,900 traffic deaths reported for 2023. Plus, it marks the first time since 2020 that total estimated traffic fatalities fell below 40,000.

While a decline in death-toll numbers is excellent to see, there are still tens of thousands of annual auto-related deaths that occur, making it a major public safety issue.

2025 Mid-Year Trend

The NHTSA’s report published in April 2025 included preliminary data for the first half of 2025, including:

17,140 projected traffic fatalities between January and June 2025 (down about 8.2 percent compared to the same period in 2024)
06 fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (a lower mid-year rate than 2024)

Because we are noticing a decline in the data, effective safety efforts (such as better law enforcement and driver education) may be contributing to fewer deadly crashes.

Georgia-Specific Car Accident Statistics

Georgia drivers and passengers face many of the same driving risks seen nationwide. According to preliminary 2023 data produced in Georgia Traffic Safety Facts reports in 2025:

Roughly 1,674 motor vehicle traffic fatalities occurred in Georgia (a 07% decrease from 2022)
The traffic fatality rate per 100 million VMT declined to 1.22 in 2023 (1.39 in 2022)

And according to Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:

22% of all traffic fatalities in 2023 were related to speeding issues (a 17% decrease from the previous year)

Just as nationwide data show, Georgia’s traffic death statistics have also been on the decline. These results suggest that, even though we still have a long way to go, improvement efforts to reduce road fatalities are making a positive impact.

Why Do Car Accident Deaths Occur?

There are many causes of fatal car accidents across the US and in Georgia. Some of the most common contributing factors include:

Speeding and aggressive or reckless driving
Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, fatigue, etc.)
Distracted driving (using cell phones or infotainment systems, eating, grabbing something out of the backseat, etc.)
Not using a seat belt or other proper restraints
Nighttime driving
Harsh weather conditions
Higher volume of animal or human activity on the road

Even as overall fatal crashes have declined recently, these behavioral and environmental risk factors continue to contribute to too many deaths on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Accident Fatalities

How many people die in car accidents in the US each year?

According to the most up-to-date data available, reports show that 39,345 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the US in 2024.

Are traffic fatalities rising or falling nationally?

Data from 2023 to 2024 shows a gradual decline in estimated fatalities. Plus, stats from the first half of 2025 further confirm this decline.

How do Georgia traffic deaths compare to the national data?

2023 statistics indicate Georgia saw about 1,674 traffic fatalities that year, with a lower fatality rate than in prior years.

Which risky behaviors contribute most to traffic deaths?

Speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and lack of proper restraints are among the top contributing factors in fatal crashes. However, other factors, such as harsh weather conditions and low or no lighting, can also contribute.

What can drivers do to stay safer on the roads?

There are plenty of ways to improve your chances of avoiding a fatal or serious car accident, including consistently wearing a seat belt, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and never driving impaired. Always stay alert and obey road rules to significantly reduce the risk of a crash.

Car Accidents May Be on the Decline, But Not by Much

Today’s car accident statistics show that while traffic fatalities have decreased in recent years, tens of thousands of people are still dying on roads throughout the United States. And while Georgia has seen similar improvements in recent crash data, the fact remains that every number represents a person, a family, and a community affected by accident-related loss.

If you or a loved one has been injured or has lost someone in a car crash in Georgia, you may have legal rights and options. The car accident lawyers at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill have helped countless drivers and their families who have been injured or killed in a car wreck in Middle Georgia, and we are ready to do the same for you. Our team is available to help protect your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call BWH’s Car Accident Attorneys in Macon, GA Today

Schedule your free consultation to tell us about your case and discover what your next steps should be: 478-221-9571

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