U.S. Traffic Fatality Rate Dips

The number of motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. appears to have plateaued after rising at the fastest pace in 50 years in 2014-2016, according to the National Safety Council.

The group’s preliminary data shows traffic fatalities in the first half of 2018 totaled 18,700 compared with 18,800 in the same period last year. Deaths per million miles traveled totaled 1.2 in January-June, the same as last year.

The council estimates the number of serious crash-related injuries also declined over the same period, falling 1% to 2.1 million people. The estimated cost of deaths, injuries and property damage during the period dipped 1% to $193 billion.

The council cautions that, if the current fatality rate holds through the second half of 2018, it will mean a third consecutive year in which the number of U.S. traffic deaths totals about 40,000.

There were some bright spots at the state level. The NSC says fatalities dropped at least 10% in January-June in Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and New York.