Subject: America’s Midyear Crash Report Card: States With the Sharpest Decline in Traffic Fatalities Revealed – New York Ranks #9
As roadway safety continues to be a national concern, new midyear data suggests that some U.S. states are making meaningful progress in reducing deadly crashes. While traffic fatalities remain a serious issue nationwide, year-over-year declines in several states point to the impact of enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and public safety initiatives. At the same time, other states continue to struggle, underscoring uneven progress across the country.
The research by personal injury lawyers H&P Law analyzed preliminary crash fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By evaluating year-over-year changes, the study identifies the states where roadway dangers are declining most sharply – and those still struggling to improve.
New York ranks ninth with a 17.9% decrease in motor vehicle fatalities. The Empire State saw its fatalities drop from 496 in 2024 to 407 in 2025.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from H&P Law commented:
“The significant decline in traffic deaths across New York are encouraging and demonstrate that targeted safety initiatives can save lives.
From stricter enforcement of speeding and impaired driving laws to improved infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, these reductions show that progress is possible when roadway safety is prioritized.”
Table of Extended Results:
| Top 10 U.S. States With the Sharpest Decline in Traffic Fatalities | ||
| State | Rise / Fall % | Rank |
| Connecticut | -32.52% | 1 |
| Delaware | -26.56% | 2 |
| Mississippi | -25.74% | 3 |
| Maryland | -23.51% | 4 |
| Kentucky | -21.79% | 5 |
| Nebraska | -20.49% | 6 |
| Minnesota | -20.00% | 7 |
| Alabama | -18.18% | 8 |
| New York | -17.94% | 9 |
| South Dakota | -17.24% | 10 |
What Should States Consider When Evaluating Progress in Reducing Traffic Fatalities?
Experts reviewing the data highlight several key factors states should consider when assessing declines in roadway deaths:
- Assess year-over-year fatality trends to determine whether reductions are sustained or temporary.
- Evaluate the impact of enforcement measures targeting speeding, impaired driving, and seatbelt use.
- Consider investments in road infrastructure, including safer intersections, lighting, and traffic calming designs.
- Examine public awareness and education campaigns that promote safer driving behaviors.
- Factor in emergency response times, post-crash care improvements, and data-driven safety policies.
Top 10 U.S. States With the Sharpest Decline in Traffic Fatalities
- Connecticut – 32.52% decrease
- Delaware – 26.56% decrease
- Mississippi – 25.74% decrease
- Maryland – 23.51% decrease
- Kentucky – 21.79% decrease
- Nebraska – 20.49% decrease
- Minnesota – 20.00% decrease
- Alabama – 18.18% decrease
- New York – 17.94% decrease
- South Dakota – 17.24% decrease
Methodology
The study was conducted by H&P Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value.
This research analyzed preliminary motor vehicle traffic fatality data from 2024 to 2025, comparing all U.S. states using information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By evaluating year-over-year fatality counts and percentage changes, the study identified the states making the most progress in reducing roadway deaths as well as those experiencing the steepest increases.
Data Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813756
Data Set: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oIqiXJ006FCProvhhePZUyJ4AEhQ3csWkpCSrIhCsbA/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Study By: https://www.courtroomproven.com
