Reduce the rate of roadway fatalities

Roadway crashes are among the leading causes of death in the United States, especially amongst young people ages 3 through 34. The highest priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is to improve safety. For roadway safety, to achieve this goal, the DOT uses a multi-faceted approach that seeks to develop safer roads and vehicles, and safer behaviors by all road users: drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. The primary indicator is the national roadway fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions.

The 2014 fatality rate represents a 2 percent decrease over 2013, and a 22 percent decline over the past 10 years. Additional subgoals are:

(a) Reduce passenger vehicle occupant fatalities per 100 million passenger vehicle VMT to 0.82 in 2017.

(b) Reduce motorcycle rider fatalities per 100 thousand motorcycle registrations to 58 in 2017.

(c) Reduce non-occupant (pedestrian and bicycle) fatalities per 100,000 population to 1.78 in 2017.

(d) Reduce roadway fatalities involving large trucks and buses per 100 million VMT to 0.114 in 2017.

Indicator target and actual value information
Fiscal Year Quarter	Period Ending (Month, Year)	Target Value	Actual Value	Explanation of Actual
2010-Q4	September, 2010	1.3	1.11	This rate is lower than the 2009 total roadway fatality rate of 1.13 and the lowest since 1949. This reduction occured despite an estimated increase of nearly 21 billion miles in national vehicle miles traveled. A regional breakdown showed the greatest drop in fatalities occured in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, where they dropped by 12 percent. Arizona, California and Hawaii had the next steepest decline, nearly 11 percent.
2011-Q4	September, 2011	1.1	1.01	Highway deaths continued to fall in 2011, marking the lowest level since 1949 and a 1.9 percent decrease from the previous year. The historic downward trend in recent years represents a 26 percent decline in traffic fatalities overall since 2005.
2012-Q4	September, 2012	1.05	1.13	Highway deaths increased to 33,561 in 2012, which is 1,082 more fatalities than in 2011. The majority of the increase in deaths, 72 percent, occurred in the first quarter of the year. Most of those involved were motorcyclists and pedestrians.
2013-Q4	September, 2013	1.03	1.11	Early estimates are showing a three percent drop from 2012, however, this decrease will likely not be enough to meet the target. Actuals will be available in December, 2014. For more information about preliminary fatality statistics, visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811845.pdf .
2014-Q4	September, 2014	1.02	1.08	The projected 2014 fatality rate of 1.08 per 100 vehicle million miles traveled (VMT) is the lowest ever recorded. The Department attributes the overall decline in roadway fatalities over the last several years to a variety of factors including: An increase in the spending rate of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and roadway infrastructure improvements such as Safety Edge, Innovative Intersection and Interchange Geometrics, and High Friction Surface Treatments, which are some of the innovative technologies being deployed as part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative. High visibility enforcement campaigns (HVE) such as Click It or Ticket to increase seatbelt use along with other HVE efforts to reduce drunk driving and distracted driving. Enactment of effective traffic safety laws at the State level on seat belts, child passenger safety, impaired driving, distracted driving, and Graduate Driving Licensing (GDL). Better oversight of licensing for young drivers and commercial operators. Safer vehicles also played an important role in reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Electronic stability control systems (ESC) alone saved an estimated 3,900 lives between 2008 and 2012. This will likely increase each year as more of the overall vehicle fleet is equipped with ESC. Advanced new crash avoidance technology, such as automatic emergency braking systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communications hold great promise and represent the next generation of vehicle safety technology.
2015-Q4	September, 2015	1.02	1.12	The size of the Nation’s roadway system prevents DOT from releasing reliable real-time data. The most recent available data is from 2015. In 2015, there were 35,092 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States. This represents a 7.2 percent increase from 2014. An estimated 2.44 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, an increase of 4.5 percent over 2014. Overall, 2015 vehicle miles traveled (VMT) also increased by 3.5 percent from 2014 to 3,131 billion, the largest increase since 1992. There were increases in fatalities across most categories. Human choices were also a factor in the increase of fatalities, including distraction, alcohol impairment, and speeding. Passenger vehicle occupant fatalities accounted for 59 percent of the overall increase in fatalities. Occupant fatalities increased by 6.6 percent over 2014. In 2015, 22,441 passengers were killed in crashes, the highest number since 2009. Unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities increased by 4.9 percent to 9,874. In 2015, 4,976 motorcyclists died in crashes, the highest number since 2012. This was an increase of 8.3 percent from 2014. According to 2015 figures, in States without universal helmet laws, 58 percent of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets, as compared to 8 percent in States with universal helmet laws. In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed. This was an increase over 9.5 percent from 2014. This was the highest number since 1996. Pedalcyclist fatalities, 818 in 2015, increased 12.2 percent from 2014, the highest number since 1995. There were 295 bus crash-related fatalities in 2015, an increase from the 281 fatalities in 2014. Finally, there were 4,067 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks, which is 4.1 percent more fatalities than in 2014, and the highest since 2008. Of the 4,067 fatalities, 16.4 percent were occupants of large trucks, 10.1 percent were non-occupants, and 73.5 percent were occupants of other vehicles.
2016-Q4	September, 2016
2017-Q4	September, 2017

Indicator Statement:

By September 30, 2017, reduce the Roadway Fatality Rate per 100 million VMT to 1.02. Shared with NHTSA, FHWA, and FMCSA.

Indicator Overview:

Roadway crashes are among the leading causes of death in the United States, especially amongst young people ages 3 through 34. The highest priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is to improve safety. For roadway safety, to achieve this goal, the DOT uses a multi-faceted approach that seeks to develop safer roads and vehicles, and safer behaviors by all road users: drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. The primary indicator is the national roadway fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions.

The 2014 fatality rate represents a 2 percent decrease over 2013, and a 22 percent decline over the past 10 years. Additional subgoals are:

(a) Reduce passenger vehicle occupant fatalities per 100 million passenger vehicle VMT to 0.82 in 2017.

(b) Reduce motorcycle rider fatalities per 100 thousand motorcycle registrations to 58 in 2017.

(c) Reduce non-occupant (pedestrian and bicycle) fatalities per 100,000 population to 1.78 in 2017.

(d) Reduce roadway fatalities involving large trucks and buses per 100 million VMT to 0.114 in 2017.

Unit Of Measurement: Number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)

Indicator Reporting Frequency: Annually

Indicator Data Timeliness:

Final data is not available until the December of the following year.

Indicator Direction: DECREASING

Indicator Calculation Method: Information Link http://www.nhtsa.gov/FARS

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of fatalities involving large trucks and buses is a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Indicator target and actual value information
Fiscal Year Quarter	Period Ending (Month, Year)	Target Value	Actual Value	Explanation of Actual
2010-Q4	September, 2010	0.164	0.133	The fatality rate per 100,000 vehicle miles traveled for large trucks and buses rose 9 percent from 2009. The rate in 2009 was the lowest since DOT has been keeping records. The trend over the past 35 years has been steadily downward--a 75% drop since 1977.
2011-Q4	September, 2011	0.121	0.137	The fatality rate for buses and large trucks per 100,000 vehicle miles traveled rose 3% from 2010.
2012-Q4	September, 2012	0.117	0.142	Preliminary data indicat that the fatality rate for large trucks and buses per 100,000 vehicle miles traveled held steady from 2011.
2013-Q4	September, 2013	0.114	0.138	Preliminary data will be available December, 2014.
2014-Q4	September, 2014	0.114	0.138
2015-Q4	September, 2015	0.114
2016-Q4	September, 2016	0.114
2017-Q4	September, 2017	0.114

Indicator Statement:

Reduce roadway fatalities involving large trucks and buses to 0.114 per 100 million VMT through FY 2017.

Indicator Overview:

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of fatalities involving large trucks and buses is a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Unit Of Measurement: Number of fatalities involving large trucks and buses per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)

Indicator Reporting Frequency: Annually

Indicator Data Timeliness:

Final data is not available until December of the following year.

Indicator Direction: DECREASING

Indicator Calculation Method: Information Link http://www.nhtsa.gov/FARS

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of motorcycle rider fatalities is a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Indicator target and actual value information
Fiscal Year Quarter	Period Ending (Month, Year)	Target Value	Actual Value	Explanation of Actual
2010-Q4	September, 2010	78	65	In 2010, 4,502 motorcyclists were killed—a slight increase from the 4,469 motorcyclists killed in 2009. This rate has leveled off from a high of 43.77 in 2005. In 2010, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of total traffic fatalities, 16 percent of all occupant fatalities, and 4 percent of all occupants injured. Motorcycles made up 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2010 and accounted for only 0.6 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. Per vehicle mile traveled in 2010, motorcyclists were about 30 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash. Per registered vehicle, the fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2010 was 6 times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants. From 2001 to 2010, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 41 percent. Among those increases, the 40 and older age group made up 39 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2001 as compared to 56 percent in 2010. Within this motorcyclist age group, fatalities increased by 100 percent over a 10-year period. Data has also shown, the average age of motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes was 42. Over half of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle in transport. In two-vehicle crashes, 75 percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front. Only 6 percent were struck in the rear. Motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a fatal collision with a fixed object than are other vehicles. In 2010, 24 percent of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with fixed objects, compared to 18 percent for passenger cars, 13 percent for light trucks, and 4 percent for large trucks. In 2010, 1,214 (29%) of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had BAC levels of .08 g/ dL or higher. An additional 338 (8 %) had lower alcohol levels (BAC .01 to .07 g/ dL). Almost one fourth of all motorcycle riders involved in a fatal crash did not have valid licenses. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,550 motorcyclists in 2010. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 706 lives could have been saved. According to NHTSA’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey, use of DOT-compliant helmets in 2010 stood at 54 percent, a decrease from 67 percent in 2009. In 2010, 20 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico required helmet use by all motorcyclists. Whereas 27 States only required helmet use by a subset of motorcyclists (typically motorcyclists under age 18) and 3 States (Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire) do not require helmet use by motorcyclists of any age. Sixty-six percent of motorcyclists killed in 2010 were not wearing helmets in States without universal helmet laws, as compared to 10 percent in States with universal helmet laws.
2011-Q4	September, 2011	63	54.66	The number of motorcycle fatalities per 100,000 registrations decreased slightly from 2010. Although the number of motorcycle fatalities increased by 2 percent, the number of registered motorcycle vehicles rose by 5 percent. In 2011, nearly half of all fatal crashes were the result of a motorcycle colliding with another vehicle. Thirty-five percent were the direct result driver speeding. Motorcycle riders were 30 times more likely than a passenger car occupant to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash, based on vehicle miles traveled. Forty-two percent of motorcycle riders who died in single vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2011 had blood alcohol levels (BAC) of 0.8g/dL or higher. Twenty-two percent did not have valid licenses.
2012-Q4	September, 2012	63	58.63	Motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the third consecutive year (7.1 percent increase over 2011). Ten times as many riders died not wearing a helmet in states without a universal helmet law than in states with such laws.
2013-Q4	September, 2013	63	55.54	Final data from May 2015. There was a 6.4% decrease in fatalities in 2013 compared to 2012. But 40 percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2013 were alcohol-impaired.
2014-Q4	September, 2014	62	56.31	Projected range based on early estimates.
2015-Q4	September, 2015	62
2016-Q4	September, 2016	62
2017-Q4	September, 2017	62

Indicator Statement:

Reduce motorcycle rider fatalities per 100,000 motorcycle registrations to 58 through FY 2017.

Indicator Overview:

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of motorcycle rider fatalities is a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Unit Of Measurement: Number of motorcycle fatalities per 100,000 motorcycle registrations

Indicator Reporting Frequency: Annually

Indicator Data Timeliness:

Final data is not available until December of the following year.

Indicator Direction: DECREASING

Indicator Calculation Method: http://www.nhtsa.gov/FARS

In FY 2016, DOT is changing the scale of this indicator to measure fatalities per capita by units of 100,000 persons. This will better align with the DOT Strategic Plan and address concerns that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities should be measured against population numbers.

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of non-occupant fatalities will still be a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Indicator target and actual value information
Fiscal Year Quarter	Period Ending (Month, Year)	Target Value	Actual Value	Explanation of Actual
2010-Q4	September, 2010	0.16	0.16	The bicycle and pedestrian fatality rate is the same as it was in 2009 and down slightly from 2008.
2011-Q4	September, 2011	0.16	0.18	The pedestrian and bicyclist fatalies increased slightly over 2010.
2012-Q4	September, 2012	0.16	0.19	Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities rose for the third year in a row. While there is very little data available to pinpoint the exact causes, the available studies point to distraction as a possible cause. Poor roadway design and increased economic activitiy are other factors that may influence this trend.
2013-Q4	September, 2013	0.16	0.19	Pedestrian fatalities decreased 2 percent in 2013 over 2012.
2014-Q4	September, 2014	0.15	0.18	Early estimates for 2014
2015-Q4	September, 2015	0.15	0.21	In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed. This was an increase over 9.5 percent from 2014. This was the highest number since 1996. Pedalcyclist fatalities, 818 in 2015, increased 12.2 percent from 2014, the highest number since 1995.
2016-Q4	September, 2016	1.78
2017-Q4	September, 2017	1.78

Indicator Statement:

Reduce non-occupant (pedestrian and bicycle) fatalities to 1.78 per 100,000 population through FY 2017.

Indicator Overview:

In FY 2016, DOT is changing the scale of this indicator to measure fatalities per capita by units of 100,000 persons. This will better align with the DOT Strategic Plan and address concerns that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities should be measured against population numbers.

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of non-occupant fatalities will still be a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Unit Of Measurement: Number of non-occupant (pedestrian and bicycle) fatalities per 100,000 population.

Indicator Reporting Frequency: Annually

Indicator Data Timeliness:

Final data is not available until December of the following year.

Indicator Direction: DECREASING

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities is a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Indicator target and actual value information
Fiscal Year Quarter	Period Ending (Month, Year)	Target Value	Actual Value	Explanation of Actual
2010-Q4	September, 2010	0.99	0.87	Sixty-eight percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are occupants of passenger vehicles. The rate of passenger vehicle fatalities per vehicle miles traveled dropped five percent between 2009 and 2010 and 27 percent less than in 1975.
2011-Q4	September, 2011	0.85	0.81	Passenger vehicle fatalities rates per 100,000 vehicle miles continue to decline. The rate has dropped 5% since 2010.
2012-Q4	September, 2012	0.85	0.81	Preliminary figures for 2012 indicate a 1.6 percent increase in passenger vehicle fatality rates. There is a potential that the target will be missed. Fatalities in passenger cars increased 2.1 percent and in light trucks 1.0 percent.
2013-Q4	September, 2013	0.82	0.79	This data will be available in December, 2014.
2014-Q4	September, 2014	0.82
2015-Q4	September, 2015	0.82
2016-Q4	September, 2016	0.81
2017-Q4	September, 2017	0.81

Indicator Statement:

Reduce passenger vehicle occupant fatalities per 100 million passenger vehicle VMT to 0.81 through FY 2017.

Indicator Overview:

The primary indicator of the Agency Priority Goal is the national fatality rate, which is a ratio of the number of fatalities over the total vehicle miles traveled. Including the number of vehicle miles traveled in the equation allows DOT to factor elements that contribute to the rise or fall of fatalities, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather, and economic conditions. The number of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities is a contributing subgoal to the national fatality rate.

Unit Of Measurement: Number of passenger vehicle fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)

Indicator Reporting Frequency: Annually

Indicator Data Timeliness:

Final data is not available until December of the following year.

Indicator Direction: DECREASING

Indicator Calculation Method: http://www.nhtsa.gov/FARS

Primary tabs

Reduce the rate of roadway fatalities

Priority Goal

Goal Overview

Strategies

Progress Update

Next Steps

Performance Indicators

Roadway Fatality Rate

Other Indicators

Fatalities involving large trucks and buses

Motorcycle fatalities

Non-occupant (pedestrian and bicycle) fatalities

Passenger vehicle occupant fatality rate

Contributing Programs & Other Factors

Strategic Goals

Strategic Goal:

Strategic Objectives

IMPROVE SAFETY OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Agency Priority Goals

FY14-15 Reduce the rate of aviation accidents

FY14-15 Reduce the rate of roadway fatalities

Strategic Objectives

Strategic Objective:

Agency Priority Goals

FY14-15 Advance the development of passenger rail in the United States

FY14-15 Improve the efficiency of the National airspace system at Air Route Traffic Control Centers - ERAM Deployment

FY14-15 Reduce the rate of aviation accidents

FY14-15 Reduce the rate of roadway fatalities

Strategic Objective:

Agency Priority Goals

FY14-15 Reduce the rate of aviation accidents