NHTSA estimate shows a five percent decrease in traffic fatalities during quarter two

For the first time since 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that fatalities from motor vehicle crashes have decreased. Although fatalities rose seven percent from January through March, April through June showed a decrease of almost five percent.

Rhode Island has seen the most impressive improvement. The state’s number of fatalities has dropped 56.6 percent compared to the first half of 2021, and the fatality rate — the number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled — has dropped from 0.93 to 0.38. Massachusetts and Minnesota tie for the next lowest fatality rate, 0.68. The national fatality rate is 1.27.

NHTSA bases their fatality estimates on police crash reports and other sources. Estimates for the first half of 2022 will be updated in late December.