By Guy Page

While traffic deaths declined nationwide in 2025, Vermont was among a small group of states that saw fatalities increase.

Preliminary estimates released Feb. 24 by the National Safety Council project 37,810 motor vehicle deaths across the United States in 2025 — a 12% decrease from 2024 — even as miles driven rose by nearly 1%.

Eight states bucked the national trend. Vermont recorded a 5% increase in traffic fatalities, joining Hawaii (+25%), Wyoming (+12%), Kansas (+10%), New Mexico (+8%), Idaho (+7%), Louisiana (+5%) and Colorado (+3%).

Nine states and the District of Columbia posted declines of more than 15%, including California (-40%), Rhode Island (-29%) and New York (-18%).

“The decrease in roadway fatalities is more than a number. It represents lives saved and families kept whole,” said Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council. “We must continue to work together … until no one ever loses their life on our roads again.”

The council attributed ongoing traffic deaths nationwide to dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving. It continues to advocate for safety measures including speed safety cameras, intelligent speed assistance and automatic emergency braking technology.