Motor vehicle accidents are among the most significant public safety concerns in the U.S., affecting millions of lives each year. In 2022 alone, over 5.9 million traffic-related incidents were reported. Although there was a slight decline in reported crashes, as well as in injuries and fatalities, from the previous year, these numbers still highlight the substantial risks on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes cost American society $340 billion in 2019 —a significant increase from the $277 billion reported in 2010. This ongoing rise in costs reflects the financial impact that traffic incidents continue to have on the nation.
Traffic accident statistics can sometimes be complex, but understanding a few key terms will help you make sense of the data on this page