Fatalities from Crashes

Fatalities from crashes has ticked upwards since 2010, reversing much of the decline seen during the Great Recession.

Fatalities from crashes dropped precipitously by more than a third during the Great Recession. Since then, however, fatalities have almost surpassed levels seen before the Great Recession. This increase is not just due to the fact that more miles are being driven on the road. In fact, we also see that fatalities per vehicle miles traveled (VMT) have also been increasing since the early 2010s. This means that not only are fatalities from crashes rising, but the rate at which fatalities occur with respect to miles driven has also been increasing. Additionally, over one-third of all Bay Area 2020 traffic fatalities were vulnerable road users - bicyclists and pedestrians. While improved vehicle safety technologies have managed to reduce fatalities among vehicle occupants during the past few decades, non-motorized travelers have experienced higher shares of overall fatality than in decades prior.

In contrast to the Bay Area’s relatively safe roads, Sunbelt metro areas top the list for highest fatality rates.

Miami, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston top the list of major U.S. metro areas with the highest fatality rates per resident. These metro areas have nearly triple the fatality rate of the safest major metro area - New York. The stark difference between the Sunbelt metros and the nation’s most transit-oriented metro is reflective of the former group’s typically higher travel speeds, greater miles traveled and higher auto mode share. The Bay Area, Washington and Los Angeles rank favorably just behind New York for the safest roads among major metro areas, each with around six traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2020.