Early estimates of overall traffic fatalities for the first half of 2024 declined by roughly 3.2% compared with the first half of 2023, according to a new report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The adoption of emerging technologies contributes to safety improvements throughout the nation’s transportation network, federal lawmakers and stakeholders said.

U.S. traffic deaths fell 3.6% last year despite an increase in miles travelled, according to new estimates by NHTSA. Still, almost 41,000 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on the nation’s roadways in 2023.

A total of 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roadways in 2023, a 3.6% decline over the 42,514 highway deaths the prior year, according to estimates from NHTSA.

NEW ORLEANS — Crews worked into Tuesday morning clearing the wreckage of more than 150 vehicles involved in a series of crashes the day before on Interstate 55 near New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS — At least seven people were killed after a “superfog” of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense fog caused multiple massive car crashes Oct. 23 involving 158 vehicles.

Citing an increase in highway fatalities, the leader of the committee on highway policy in the U.S. Senate pressed for additional resources to remedy the matter.

DETROIT — The number of people killed on U.S. roadways decreased slightly last year, but government officials said the 42,795 people who died is still a national crisis.

DETROIT — Nearly 43,000 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2021, the highest number in 16 years, with deaths due to speeding and impaired or distracted driving on the rise.

The Department of Transportation over the past year has undertaken a variety of actions related to guidance and rulemakings that officials say will lay the groundwork for reducing the number of fatal crashes on U.S. roadways.