About Transportation Safety

Highlights

  • Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the US.
  • Deaths from crashes in 2020 resulted in over $430 billion in total costs—including medical costs and cost estimates for lives lost.
  • You can take steps to stay safe on the road.

Overview

Motor vehicle crashes are a public health concern both in the United States and abroad. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death, and kill over 100 people every day. However, motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths are preventable. There are proven strategies that can help prevent these injuries and deaths. Whether you are a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, you can take steps to stay safe on the road.

Fast facts

41,000

In 2020, almost 41,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. That is more than 110 people killed in crashes every day.

2.1 Million

There were over 2.1 million emergency department visits for injuries from motor vehicle crashes in 2020.

$430 Billion

Deaths from crashes in 2020 resulted in over $430 billion in total costs—including medical costs and cost estimates for lives lost.

Topics

Explore CDC's transportation safety topics.

Resources and tools