NEW YORK – Road deaths are on the decline in many places, including the U.S., but lower-income countries are falling behind in this important trend, according to a study released recently.
The research, published in Lancet Public Health, reveals that global road injuries and deaths have decreased by over 30% since 1990. However, this progress isn’t uniform; some countries, especially those with lower incomes, are not seeing similar improvements.
Interestingly, while pedestrian and vehicle occupant deaths increased in six countries, including the U.S., more recent data shows a promising decline in road deaths in the U.S. in 2024 and 2025.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also reported a 21% drop in road traffic deaths between 2011 and 2025. Yet, more than 1.1 million lives were still lost to traffic crashes last year, making it the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5 to 29.
Road deaths include fatalities from accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants. However, it’s important to note that complete data isn’t available in all countries, so estimates were made based on the available information.
Researchers from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that while road injury rates are higher in wealthier countries, a shocking 90% of road deaths occur in low-income nations. This disparity often arises because safety measures in these countries haven’t kept pace with rapid urban growth and increased vehicle usage.
For instance, seat belt laws and advanced car safety features like airbags are more common in high-income countries, contributing to lower fatality rates.
“Road injury outcomes are shaped not only by crashes but also by the systems designed to prevent them and protect people when they occur,” said Liane Ong, the senior author of the new study.
In the U.S., there are conflicting trends. The rise of larger passenger vehicles and the persistent issue of distracted driving—such as texting while driving—contribute to the complexities of road safety.
Traffic fatalities in the U.S. reached a peak of over 43,000 in 2021 but have recently begun to decline, with estimates suggesting around 36,600 deaths last year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Additionally, the Governors Highway Safety Association reported a 7% decrease in pedestrian deaths in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the largest annual reduction over the last three years. However, these numbers are still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The WHO has recognized road safety as a major public health issue for over 20 years. The release of the Lancet report coincides with a two-day United Nations high-level meeting aimed at improving global road safety, currently taking place in New York City.
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