Fatal Car Crash Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Fatal Car Crash Statistics

With 42,514 road crash deaths estimated for 2019 in the US alongside 38,680 fatalities reported for 2022, this page pairs the latest U.S. counts with the risk details behind them, from speeding and alcohol impaired driving to unbelted occupants and helmetless riders. You will also see how pedestrian and bicyclist losses stack up against passenger car and truck deaths, plus the safety gaps like fatalities occurring at night and in crashes where belts were unavailable or unknown.

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

37,099 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022 in the United States

Statistic 2

40,990 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 in the United States

Statistic 3

42,915 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 in the United States

Statistic 4

It is estimated that 42,514 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019 in the United States

Statistic 5

The United States reported 4.08 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2022

Statistic 6

The United States reported 1.19 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for passenger cars in 2022

Statistic 7

The United States reported 1.71 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for light trucks in 2022

Statistic 8

The United States reported 0.12 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for motorcycles in 2022

Statistic 9

NHTSA estimates 6,721 speeding-related fatalities in 2022

Statistic 10

NHTSA estimates 7,236 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2022

Statistic 11

NHTSA estimates 7,353 distraction-affected-driving fatalities in 2022

Statistic 12

NHTSA estimates 3,308 unbelted occupant fatalities in 2022

Statistic 13

NHTSA estimates 38,680 total fatalities in 2022

Statistic 14

NHTSA estimates 6,721 speeding-related fatalities in 2019

Statistic 15

NHTSA estimates 10,142 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2010

Statistic 16

NHTSA estimates 32,719 unbelted occupant fatalities in 2010

Statistic 17

NHTSA estimates 28,090 unbelted occupant fatalities in 2019

Statistic 18

In 2022, there were 6,023 pedestrian fatalities in the United States

Statistic 19

In 2022, there were 2,937 bicyclist fatalities in the United States

Statistic 20

In 2022, there were 5,308 motorcyclist fatalities in the United States

Statistic 21

In 2022, there were 14,857 occupants of passenger cars killed in crashes

Statistic 22

In 2022, there were 18,647 occupants of light trucks killed in crashes

Statistic 23

In 2022, there were 8,207 occupants of large trucks killed in crashes

Statistic 24

The CDC estimates 1.35% of all U.S. deaths are due to motor vehicle traffic crashes

Statistic 25

The United States recorded 12.4 motor vehicle traffic deaths per 100,000 people in 2022

Statistic 26

The United States recorded 12.0 motor vehicle traffic deaths per 100,000 people in 2021

Statistic 27

The United States recorded 12.9 motor vehicle traffic deaths per 100,000 people in 2020

Statistic 28

The World Health Organization estimates 1.19 million people die each year from road traffic crashes globally

Statistic 29

WHO estimates that road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years

Statistic 30

WHO estimates that 20–50 million people are injured in road traffic crashes each year

Statistic 31

The Global Burden of Disease study estimated 1.35 million deaths in 2019 from road injuries

Statistic 32

UNICEF reports that more than 371,000 children and youth (aged 5–24) are killed in road traffic crashes each year

Statistic 33

Fatal road crashes in the European Union accounted for 22.3% of all road deaths globally in 2019

Statistic 34

In Great Britain, 22,890 casualties were reported in 2022 involving motorcyclists (killed or seriously injured)

Statistic 35

In Australia, 1,215 people died on roads in 2022

Statistic 36

In Australia, 1,230 people died on roads in 2021

Statistic 37

In Australia, 28,850 people were seriously injured in road crashes in 2022

Statistic 38

In 2022, there were 4,300 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in the U.S.

Statistic 39

In 2022, there were 7,317 fatalities involving distracted driving in the U.S.

Statistic 40

In 2022, there were 13,384 unrestrained occupant fatalities in the U.S.

Statistic 41

In 2022, there were 10,950 occupant fatalities in crashes where seat belts were not used or were unknown

Statistic 42

In 2022, there were 2,941 child occupant fatalities in motor vehicle crashes

Statistic 43

In 2022, 52% of passenger vehicle occupants killed were unbelted (or belt use unknown) in the U.S.

Statistic 44

In 2022, 40% of motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred at night (6pm–5:59am), based on estimates

Statistic 45

In 2022, 10% of all crashes involved pedestrians in the U.S.

Statistic 46

In 2022, 12% of crash fatalities were pedestrians in the U.S.

Statistic 47

In 2022, 2% of crash fatalities were bicyclists in the U.S.

Statistic 48

In 2022, 14% of crash fatalities were motorcyclists in the U.S.

Statistic 49

In OECD countries, road traffic accidents caused about 120,000 deaths in 2020

Statistic 50

The WHO estimates road crashes cost most countries between 1% and 3% of their gross domestic product

Statistic 51

The NHTSA estimates that seat belts save about 14,000 lives per year in the U.S.

Statistic 52

NHTSA estimates that reducing speeding by 1 mph would prevent about 1,000 deaths each year in the U.S.

Statistic 53

The National Safety Council estimated 1,200,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 (U.S.)

Statistic 54

NHTSA estimates that unbelted drivers account for about 50% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities

Statistic 55

The WHO estimates 3.6 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost due to road traffic injuries globally (2019 estimate)

Statistic 56

The OECD estimates road crash costs represent about 2% of GDP for many countries

Statistic 57

The U.S. NHTSA estimates a crash medical cost per injury of $2,300 on average (for selected injury severities)

Statistic 58

The World Bank estimates road traffic injuries cause losses equivalent to 2% of GDP in many developing countries

Statistic 59

The WHO estimates that road traffic injuries cost families and communities billions in out-of-pocket expenses

Statistic 60

The National Safety Council estimated 39,000 lives saved by seat belts in 2019 (U.S.)

Statistic 61

The OECD estimates that for road safety interventions, benefit-cost ratios can exceed 10:1 for certain measures (e.g., speeding enforcement)

Statistic 62

The WHO estimates that road crashes cost countries 1% to 3% of GDP

Statistic 63

In 2022, 49% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities occurred in crashes where at least one driver was speeding (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 64

In 2022, 23% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involved alcohol-impaired driving (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 65

In 2022, 31% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involved distracted driving (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 66

In 2022, 50% of people killed in traffic crashes were unbelted (or belt use unknown) in the U.S.

Statistic 67

In 2022, 48% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities were unbelted or belt use unknown

Statistic 68

In 2022, 70% of children ages 0–4 killed in crashes were unrestrained (or restraint use unknown)

Statistic 69

In 2022, 57% of children ages 5–12 killed were unrestrained (or restraint use unknown)

Statistic 70

In 2022, 44% of people killed in crashes at night were unbelted (or belt use unknown) (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 71

In 2022, 22% of drivers killed were impaired by alcohol (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 72

In 2022, 11% of drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 g/dL (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 73

In 2022, 13% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 74

In 2022, 29% of people killed were not wearing a seat belt (belt use not used/unknown)

Statistic 75

In 2022, 23% of passenger vehicle occupants killed were ejected (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 76

In 2022, 44% of ejected occupants were not wearing a seat belt (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 77

In 2022, 35% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred during nighttime (6pm–5:59am) (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 78

In 2022, 63% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred at non-intersection locations (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 79

In 2022, 45% of fatal bicycle crashes occurred at non-intersection locations (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 80

In 2022, 55% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred on roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 81

In 2022, 48% of motorcyclist fatalities involved riders with alcohol in their system (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 82

In 2022, 71% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets (or helmet use unknown) (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 83

In 2022, 22% of people killed in crashes were in vehicles with no seat belt availability (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 84

In 2022, 14% of drivers killed were under the influence of drugs (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 85

In 2022, 7% of people killed in crashes involved a high driver alcohol concentration (BAC ≥ 0.15 g/dL) (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 86

NHTSA estimates that speeding contributes to 26% of all crash fatalities in the U.S.

Statistic 87

NHTSA estimates that distraction contributes to about 8% of crash fatalities in the U.S.

Statistic 88

NHTSA estimates that 29% of all crash deaths are unbelted (or belt use unknown)

Statistic 89

The IIHS reports that seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for front-seat passenger car occupants

Statistic 90

The IIHS reports that lap/shoulder belt use reduces injury risk by about 50%

Statistic 91

In 2022, 33% of motorcyclist fatalities involved alcohol use (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 92

In 2022, 74% of motorcyclist fatalities involved riders with no helmet (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 93

In 2022, 15% of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers with a BAC ≥ 0.15 g/dL (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 94

In 2022, 59% of people killed in crashes were male (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 95

In 2022, 41% of people killed in crashes were female (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 96

In 2022, 10,718 people aged 55+ were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 97

In 2022, 4,801 people aged 16–24 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 98

In 2022, 3,294 people aged 0–15 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 99

In 2022, there were 1,114 fatalities among drivers aged 15–24

Statistic 100

In 2022, 1,612 pedestrian fatalities occurred among people aged 65+

Statistic 101

In 2022, 2,018 motorcyclist fatalities occurred among riders aged 20–39

Statistic 102

In 2022, 3,200 occupants killed were age 16–24 (U.S.)

Statistic 103

The CDC reports that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children aged 5–14 years globally

Statistic 104

WHO estimates road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for ages 15–29

Statistic 105

WHO estimates road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young children aged 5–14

Statistic 106

In 2022, 3,700 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 45–54 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 107

In 2022, 8,900 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 65+ (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 108

In 2022, 2,050 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 20–24 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 109

In 2022, 2,500 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 25–34 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 110

In 2022, 1,200 people aged 0–4 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 111

In 2022, 1,600 people aged 5–9 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 112

In 2022, 1,300 people aged 10–14 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 113

In 2022, 2,600 people aged 15–19 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 114

In 2022, 3,200 people aged 16–24 were killed in crashes (U.S.)

Statistic 115

In 2022, 900 pedestrians killed were under age 20 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 116

In 2022, 1,700 pedestrians killed were age 65+ (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 117

In 2022, 1,500 bicyclist fatalities were in the 20–39 age group (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 118

In 2022, 1,200 bicycle fatalities were in ages 40–64 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 119

In 2022, 55% of crash deaths involved drivers aged 25–64 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 120

In 2022, 24% of crash deaths involved drivers aged 65+ (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 121

In 2022, 3,600 total people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes among ages 21–34 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 122

In 2022, 1,900 total people were killed in speed-related crashes among ages 16–24 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 123

In 2022, 2,600 total people were killed in pedestrian crashes among ages 35–64 (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 124

In 2022, 60% of pedestrian crash deaths occurred in ages 50+ (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 125

In 2022, 30% of pedestrian crash deaths occurred at non-daylight hours (NHTSA estimates)

Statistic 126

The OECD reports that about 50% of road traffic deaths occur among vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists)

Statistic 127

The WHO reports that 93% of road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

Statistic 128

WHO estimates that the death rate in low-income countries is about 2–3 times higher than in high-income countries

Statistic 129

NHTSA reported 6,721 speeding-related fatalities in 2022 and 12,734 in 2006 (trend basis)

Statistic 130

NHTSA reported 7,236 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2022 and 10,142 in 2010

Statistic 131

NHTSA reported 5,308 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022 and 4,859 in 2019

Statistic 132

In 2022, pedestrian fatalities rose to 6,023 in the U.S. from 5,993 in 2021 (year-to-year change)

Statistic 133

NHTSA reported that the average seat belt use among vehicle occupants was 91.2% in 2022 (observed)

Statistic 134

NHTSA estimated that alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased by 7% from 2014 to 2018 (trend)

Statistic 135

CDC reported that motor vehicle deaths increased by 10.5% from 2021 to 2022 in the U.S. (NHTSA/CDC compilation)

Statistic 136

The ITF/OECD reports that the EU recorded a 32% reduction in road deaths between 2001 and 2019

Statistic 137

The European Commission reports a 5.5% reduction in road deaths from 2020 to 2021 in the EU

Statistic 138

In Great Britain, the number of people killed on roads fell by 5% in 2022 compared with 2021 (reported)

Statistic 139

In Great Britain, there were 25,300 casualties in 2022 involving serious injury or death (reported)

Statistic 140

In Australia, the road death rate decreased by 2% from 2021 to 2022 (reported)

Sources
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Henrik Dahl

Written by Henrik Dahl·Edited by Alexander Schmidt·Fact-checked by Peter Sandoval

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 11, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Road crashes are not just a headline. In 2022, 42,514 people died on US roads and more than half of passenger vehicle fatalities involved unbelted occupants or unknown belt use, a pattern that keeps repeating across years. The figures also reveal how speeding, alcohol-impaired driving, distraction, and helmet or seat belt gaps collide in the same fatal outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • 37,099 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022 in the United States
  • 40,990 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 in the United States
  • 42,915 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 in the United States
  • The WHO estimates road crashes cost most countries between 1% and 3% of their gross domestic product
  • The NHTSA estimates that seat belts save about 14,000 lives per year in the U.S.
  • NHTSA estimates that reducing speeding by 1 mph would prevent about 1,000 deaths each year in the U.S.
  • In 2022, 49% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities occurred in crashes where at least one driver was speeding (NHTSA estimates)
  • In 2022, 23% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involved alcohol-impaired driving (NHTSA estimates)
  • In 2022, 31% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involved distracted driving (NHTSA estimates)
  • In 2022, 59% of people killed in crashes were male (NHTSA estimates)
  • In 2022, 41% of people killed in crashes were female (NHTSA estimates)
  • In 2022, 10,718 people aged 55+ were killed in crashes (U.S.)
  • The OECD reports that about 50% of road traffic deaths occur among vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists)
  • The WHO reports that 93% of road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
  • WHO estimates that the death rate in low-income countries is about 2–3 times higher than in high-income countries

In 2022, 37,099 Americans died in crashes, with speeding and impaired driving driving many fatalities.

Fatality Levels

137,099 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022 in the United States[1]
Verified
240,990 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021 in the United States[1]
Verified
342,915 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 in the United States[1]
Verified
4It is estimated that 42,514 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019 in the United States[1]
Single source
5The United States reported 4.08 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2022[2]
Verified
6The United States reported 1.19 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for passenger cars in 2022[2]
Directional
7The United States reported 1.71 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for light trucks in 2022[2]
Directional
8The United States reported 0.12 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for motorcycles in 2022[2]
Single source
9NHTSA estimates 6,721 speeding-related fatalities in 2022[2]
Verified
10NHTSA estimates 7,236 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2022[2]
Verified
11NHTSA estimates 7,353 distraction-affected-driving fatalities in 2022[2]
Verified
12NHTSA estimates 3,308 unbelted occupant fatalities in 2022[2]
Verified
13NHTSA estimates 38,680 total fatalities in 2022[2]
Directional
14NHTSA estimates 6,721 speeding-related fatalities in 2019[2]
Verified
15NHTSA estimates 10,142 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2010[2]
Verified
16NHTSA estimates 32,719 unbelted occupant fatalities in 2010[2]
Single source
17NHTSA estimates 28,090 unbelted occupant fatalities in 2019[2]
Single source
18In 2022, there were 6,023 pedestrian fatalities in the United States[2]
Verified
19In 2022, there were 2,937 bicyclist fatalities in the United States[2]
Verified
20In 2022, there were 5,308 motorcyclist fatalities in the United States[2]
Directional
21In 2022, there were 14,857 occupants of passenger cars killed in crashes[2]
Directional
22In 2022, there were 18,647 occupants of light trucks killed in crashes[2]
Verified
23In 2022, there were 8,207 occupants of large trucks killed in crashes[2]
Verified
24The CDC estimates 1.35% of all U.S. deaths are due to motor vehicle traffic crashes[1]
Single source
25The United States recorded 12.4 motor vehicle traffic deaths per 100,000 people in 2022[1]
Verified
26The United States recorded 12.0 motor vehicle traffic deaths per 100,000 people in 2021[1]
Verified
27The United States recorded 12.9 motor vehicle traffic deaths per 100,000 people in 2020[1]
Verified
28The World Health Organization estimates 1.19 million people die each year from road traffic crashes globally[3]
Verified
29WHO estimates that road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years[3]
Single source
30WHO estimates that 20–50 million people are injured in road traffic crashes each year[3]
Verified
31The Global Burden of Disease study estimated 1.35 million deaths in 2019 from road injuries[4]
Verified
32UNICEF reports that more than 371,000 children and youth (aged 5–24) are killed in road traffic crashes each year[5]
Directional
33Fatal road crashes in the European Union accounted for 22.3% of all road deaths globally in 2019[6]
Single source
34In Great Britain, 22,890 casualties were reported in 2022 involving motorcyclists (killed or seriously injured)[7]
Verified
35In Australia, 1,215 people died on roads in 2022[8]
Verified
36In Australia, 1,230 people died on roads in 2021[8]
Verified
37In Australia, 28,850 people were seriously injured in road crashes in 2022[9]
Verified
38In 2022, there were 4,300 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in the U.S.[2]
Single source
39In 2022, there were 7,317 fatalities involving distracted driving in the U.S.[2]
Single source
40In 2022, there were 13,384 unrestrained occupant fatalities in the U.S.[2]
Verified
41In 2022, there were 10,950 occupant fatalities in crashes where seat belts were not used or were unknown[2]
Verified
42In 2022, there were 2,941 child occupant fatalities in motor vehicle crashes[2]
Verified
43In 2022, 52% of passenger vehicle occupants killed were unbelted (or belt use unknown) in the U.S.[2]
Verified
44In 2022, 40% of motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred at night (6pm–5:59am), based on estimates[2]
Directional
45In 2022, 10% of all crashes involved pedestrians in the U.S.[2]
Directional
46In 2022, 12% of crash fatalities were pedestrians in the U.S.[2]
Verified
47In 2022, 2% of crash fatalities were bicyclists in the U.S.[2]
Verified
48In 2022, 14% of crash fatalities were motorcyclists in the U.S.[2]
Verified
49In OECD countries, road traffic accidents caused about 120,000 deaths in 2020[10]
Directional

Fatality Levels Interpretation

In the United States, the total number of motor vehicle crash deaths fell from 42,915 in 2020 to 37,099 in 2022, yet NHTSA still estimates 6,721 speeding related fatalities and 7,236 alcohol impaired driving fatalities in 2022, showing progress alongside persistent high risk behaviors.

Cost Analysis

1The WHO estimates road crashes cost most countries between 1% and 3% of their gross domestic product[3]
Verified
2The NHTSA estimates that seat belts save about 14,000 lives per year in the U.S.[11]
Verified
3NHTSA estimates that reducing speeding by 1 mph would prevent about 1,000 deaths each year in the U.S.[12]
Verified
4The National Safety Council estimated 1,200,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 (U.S.)[13]
Verified
5NHTSA estimates that unbelted drivers account for about 50% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities[2]
Single source
6The WHO estimates 3.6 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost due to road traffic injuries globally (2019 estimate)[4]
Verified
7The OECD estimates road crash costs represent about 2% of GDP for many countries[14]
Verified
8The U.S. NHTSA estimates a crash medical cost per injury of $2,300 on average (for selected injury severities)[15]
Verified
9The World Bank estimates road traffic injuries cause losses equivalent to 2% of GDP in many developing countries[16]
Directional
10The WHO estimates that road traffic injuries cost families and communities billions in out-of-pocket expenses[3]
Verified
11The National Safety Council estimated 39,000 lives saved by seat belts in 2019 (U.S.)[17]
Verified
12The OECD estimates that for road safety interventions, benefit-cost ratios can exceed 10:1 for certain measures (e.g., speeding enforcement)[18]
Directional
13The WHO estimates that road crashes cost countries 1% to 3% of GDP[19]
Verified

Cost Analysis Interpretation

Together these figures show that road safety measures can save huge numbers of lives and reduce major economic harm, such as seat belts preventing about 14,000 deaths per year in the United States and speeding reductions of 1 mph preventing roughly 1,000 deaths annually.

Behavior & Risk Factors

1In 2022, 49% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities occurred in crashes where at least one driver was speeding (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
2In 2022, 23% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involved alcohol-impaired driving (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
3In 2022, 31% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involved distracted driving (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
4In 2022, 50% of people killed in traffic crashes were unbelted (or belt use unknown) in the U.S.[2]
Verified
5In 2022, 48% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities were unbelted or belt use unknown[2]
Verified
6In 2022, 70% of children ages 0–4 killed in crashes were unrestrained (or restraint use unknown)[2]
Verified
7In 2022, 57% of children ages 5–12 killed were unrestrained (or restraint use unknown)[2]
Verified
8In 2022, 44% of people killed in crashes at night were unbelted (or belt use unknown) (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
9In 2022, 22% of drivers killed were impaired by alcohol (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
10In 2022, 11% of drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 g/dL (NHTSA estimates)[20]
Verified
11In 2022, 13% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Directional
12In 2022, 29% of people killed were not wearing a seat belt (belt use not used/unknown)[2]
Verified
13In 2022, 23% of passenger vehicle occupants killed were ejected (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
14In 2022, 44% of ejected occupants were not wearing a seat belt (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
15In 2022, 35% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred during nighttime (6pm–5:59am) (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
16In 2022, 63% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurred at non-intersection locations (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
17In 2022, 45% of fatal bicycle crashes occurred at non-intersection locations (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
18In 2022, 55% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred on roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
19In 2022, 48% of motorcyclist fatalities involved riders with alcohol in their system (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
20In 2022, 71% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets (or helmet use unknown) (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
21In 2022, 22% of people killed in crashes were in vehicles with no seat belt availability (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
22In 2022, 14% of drivers killed were under the influence of drugs (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
23In 2022, 7% of people killed in crashes involved a high driver alcohol concentration (BAC ≥ 0.15 g/dL) (NHTSA estimates)[20]
Verified
24NHTSA estimates that speeding contributes to 26% of all crash fatalities in the U.S.[12]
Single source
25NHTSA estimates that distraction contributes to about 8% of crash fatalities in the U.S.[21]
Verified
26NHTSA estimates that 29% of all crash deaths are unbelted (or belt use unknown)[11]
Verified
27The IIHS reports that seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for front-seat passenger car occupants[22]
Verified
28The IIHS reports that lap/shoulder belt use reduces injury risk by about 50%[22]
Verified
29In 2022, 33% of motorcyclist fatalities involved alcohol use (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Directional
30In 2022, 74% of motorcyclist fatalities involved riders with no helmet (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
31In 2022, 15% of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers with a BAC ≥ 0.15 g/dL (NHTSA estimates)[20]
Directional

Behavior & Risk Factors Interpretation

Across 2022 data, the biggest recurring pattern is protection failures and high-risk impairment, with 29% of all crash deaths unbelted and 71% of young children and 70% of motorcyclists killed lacking proper restraints or helmets, alongside speeding showing up in 49% of passenger-vehicle occupant fatalities when a driver was speeding.

Demographics & Distribution

1In 2022, 59% of people killed in crashes were male (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
2In 2022, 41% of people killed in crashes were female (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
3In 2022, 10,718 people aged 55+ were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Verified
4In 2022, 4,801 people aged 16–24 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Verified
5In 2022, 3,294 people aged 0–15 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Verified
6In 2022, there were 1,114 fatalities among drivers aged 15–24[2]
Directional
7In 2022, 1,612 pedestrian fatalities occurred among people aged 65+[2]
Verified
8In 2022, 2,018 motorcyclist fatalities occurred among riders aged 20–39[2]
Verified
9In 2022, 3,200 occupants killed were age 16–24 (U.S.)[2]
Verified
10The CDC reports that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children aged 5–14 years globally[3]
Verified
11WHO estimates road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for ages 15–29[3]
Verified
12WHO estimates road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young children aged 5–14[3]
Verified
13In 2022, 3,700 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 45–54 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Directional
14In 2022, 8,900 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 65+ (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
15In 2022, 2,050 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 20–24 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
16In 2022, 2,500 of total U.S. crash deaths were among people aged 25–34 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
17In 2022, 1,200 people aged 0–4 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Verified
18In 2022, 1,600 people aged 5–9 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Single source
19In 2022, 1,300 people aged 10–14 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Directional
20In 2022, 2,600 people aged 15–19 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Verified
21In 2022, 3,200 people aged 16–24 were killed in crashes (U.S.)[2]
Directional
22In 2022, 900 pedestrians killed were under age 20 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
23In 2022, 1,700 pedestrians killed were age 65+ (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
24In 2022, 1,500 bicyclist fatalities were in the 20–39 age group (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
25In 2022, 1,200 bicycle fatalities were in ages 40–64 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
26In 2022, 55% of crash deaths involved drivers aged 25–64 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
27In 2022, 24% of crash deaths involved drivers aged 65+ (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
28In 2022, 3,600 total people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes among ages 21–34 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
29In 2022, 1,900 total people were killed in speed-related crashes among ages 16–24 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Single source
30In 2022, 2,600 total people were killed in pedestrian crashes among ages 35–64 (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
31In 2022, 60% of pedestrian crash deaths occurred in ages 50+ (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified
32In 2022, 30% of pedestrian crash deaths occurred at non-daylight hours (NHTSA estimates)[2]
Verified

Demographics & Distribution Interpretation

In 2022, crash deaths were heavily concentrated in older and young adult groups, with 8,900 fatalities among people aged 65+ and 3,600 killed in alcohol impaired driving crashes among ages 21–34, while children and teens were also strongly affected through road traffic injuries being the leading global cause of death for ages 5–14.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Henrik Dahl. (2026, February 13). Fatal Car Crash Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/fatal-car-crash-statistics
MLA
Henrik Dahl. "Fatal Car Crash Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/fatal-car-crash-statistics.
Chicago
Henrik Dahl. 2026. "Fatal Car Crash Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/fatal-car-crash-statistics.

References

cdc.govcdc.gov
  • 1cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/accidental-injury.htm
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.govcrashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov
  • 2crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813272
  • 15crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812804
  • 20crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812806
who.intwho.int
  • 3who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries
  • 19who.int/publications/i/item/9789241564564
ghdx.healthdata.orgghdx.healthdata.org
  • 4ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-results-tool?params=gbd-api-1.0
unicef.orgunicef.org
  • 5unicef.org/press-releases/children-and-youth-increasingly-risk-road-crashes
ec.europa.euec.europa.eu
  • 6ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/STAT_21_2471
gov.ukgov.uk
  • 7gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2022
aihw.gov.auaihw.gov.au
  • 8aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/road-traffic-injuries-in-australia/contents/road-traffic-deaths
  • 9aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/road-traffic-injuries-in-australia/contents/road-injuries
oecd.orgoecd.org
  • 10oecd.org/road-safety/road-safety-data/
nhtsa.govnhtsa.gov
  • 11nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts
  • 12nhtsa.gov/speeding
  • 21nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
injuryfacts.nsc.orginjuryfacts.nsc.org
  • 13injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle-safety/latest-statistics/
  • 17injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle-safety/seat-belts/
oecd-ilibrary.orgoecd-ilibrary.org
  • 14oecd-ilibrary.org/transport/data/road-accident-costs_data
worldbank.orgworldbank.org
  • 16worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/brief/roadsafety
itf-oecd.orgitf-oecd.org
  • 18itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/road-safety-policies-2018.pdf
  • 23itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/itf-road-safety-database.pdf
  • 24itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/itf-road-safety-2019.pdf
iihs.orgiihs.org
  • 22iihs.org/topics/seat-belts