Our Nation's Highways: 2008

Figure 7-5. Trend in Highway Fatality Rates, 1980-2006

The fatality rate (fatalities per 100 million VMT) on the Nation’s highways continues to decline. In 2006, the fatality rate reached 1.41, which is a historical low. Although the fatality rate is declining, there were still 42,642 fatalities in 12006.

The highway and transit authorization bill for 2005–2009, SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users), has authorized a new core safety program known as the Highway Safety Improvement Program. FHWA has been working with all other Federal, State, and local authorities and private organizations to develop new strategies and approaches to improve highway travel safety.

Data represented in the inset chart
Table in Excel format

Data Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System.