Cars getting safer despite increase in fatalities

Fatal accidents per-mile-driven have been falling for decades thanks to advanced safety systems to vehicles. However, people are driving more, so the total number of fatalities is on the rise, according to the National Safety Council. Federal regulators have held hearings to address the rising number of fatalities, and automakers are adding more safety features.

Published May 10, 2016

Fatal accidents per 100 million miles driven

1.09 in 2013

1.26 in 2008

1.48 in 2003

1.58 in 1998

2005 fatal accident peak

43,510 people killed
39,252 accidents fatal accidents
2.99 trillion vehicle miles traveled
245.6 million registered vehicles
200.5 million licensed drivers

2013 most recent year for federal data

32,719 people killed
30,057 fatal accidents
2.99 trillion vehicle miles traveled
269.3 million registered vehicles
212.2 million licensed drivers

Women still less likely to die in car accidents than men

29.3% of fatal accidents victims in 2013
28.5% in 2008
31.6% in 2003
33.5% in 1998

2015 analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found:

7,700 fewer (estimated) driver deaths in 2012 due to vehicle design improvements

By the 2009 model year:

Car driver fatality risk 51% lower than 1994 high
Pickup driver fatality risk 61% lower than 1988 high
SUV driver fatality risk 79% lower than 1988 high

Risk of driver death 2009 MY model passenger vehicles 8% lower than 2008 models, half that of 1984 models

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Safety Council, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

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