New numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show final statistics for traffic deaths in 2023 (40,901 fatalities) and new projections for deaths in 2024 (39,345 fatalities). The numbers demonstrate significant progress from the 42,721 fatalities in 2022 and bring fatalities under 40,000 for the first time since 2020. 

“The early estimates for 2024 show a positive trend overall, with significant improvement in Rhode Island,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast, in a press release. “However, 39,000 fatalities are still far too many. Policymakers, advocates and industry stakeholders must continue to collaborate to make all aspects of our transportation system safer: designing safer roads and safer vehicles, keeping vehicle speeds at a safe level and encouraging people to make safer choices behind the wheel.”

Finalized 2023 data shows that there were decreases in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants, large-truck occupants and pedestrians, but increases in fatalities among motorcyclists and pedalcyclists.

In 2023, there were 23,959 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities, a 6% decrease from the 25,500 reported in 2022. Fatalities among large truck occupants also declined, dropping 12% from 1,098 in 2022 to 961 in 2023. Pedestrian deaths saw a smaller decrease of 3.7%, falling from 7,593 in 2022 to 7,314 in 2023. In contrast, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 1.3%, rising from 6,251 to 6,335. Similarly, pedal cyclist deaths went up by 4.4%, from 1,117 in 2022 to 1,166 in 2023.

There was also a 4.2% rise in fatalities in traffic crashes involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20. 

NHTSA reported that 71 people died on Rhode Island roadways in 2023, up 37% from 52 in 2022. Early estimates for 2024 show significant improvement over 2023, with fatalities dropping back to 52.