Crunching Numbers to Curb Crashes: Using Federal Data to Make Our Roads Safer - Streetsblog USA

"When robustly maintained, these datasets help researchers and policymakers understand road safety trends to intervene with informed policies. When incomplete or biased, however, these datasets leave decision-makers uninformed and directionless, or worse yet, lead them to make incorrect choices. The need for data-driven solutions is especially critical at this time as America's roads continue to become busier, with more people and goods on the move."

"America's roads are moving an ever-increasing number of people and goods. This growth comes with a significant human toll, infrastructure threat, and price tag. On average, 112 people were killed every day on roads in the U.S., totaling nearly 41,000 fatalities in 2023. This amounts to a staggering 24% upsurge in deaths in just a decade. An additional 2.44 million people were injured. Early projections for 2024 traffic fatalities remain at a similar level; over 39,000 people are estimated to have been killed last year."

"Our roads are deteriorating, too. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2025 Report Card, U.S. roads received a grade of "D+," with 39% of major roads in poor or mediocre condition. Bridges received a "C," with about a third of the nation's bridge inventory (221,791 spans) in need of repair or replacement. In addition, approximately 45% of bridges have exceeded their planned design lives of 50 years."

Federal traffic datasets enable researchers and policymakers to detect trends and design interventions, but incomplete or biased data can mislead decisions and hinder effective action. U.S. road deaths have risen sharply, with an average of 112 deaths per day and nearly 41,000 fatalities in 2023—a 24% increase over a decade—plus about 2.44 million injuries and projected fatalities near 39,000 for 2024. Road infrastructure is deteriorating: U.S. roads earned a D+, with 39% in poor or mediocre condition; bridges scored a C, roughly one-third needing repair or replacement, and about 45% have exceeded 50-year design lives. These trends create substantial human and economic costs.

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