According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 over 36,000 people died in vehicle crashes in the US, averaging 100 deaths per day. Alcohol was a factor in 29% of fatal crashes in 2017, while speeding and distracted driving led to over 9,700 and 3,100 deaths respectively that year. Women are also more at risk of injury or death in crashes, with a 17% higher likelihood of dying than men.

1. U.S. Road Deaths: By the Numbers
We lose an average of 100 people per day in vehicle crashes in the U.S.
36,750 Number of people who died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in
2018 in the U.S., initial estimate1
29% Percent of fatalities involving alcohol-impaired driving in 20172
9,717 Number of people killed in speed-related fatalities in 2017
3,166 Number of people killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2017
798 Number of fatalities of vehicles at rail crossings from 2014-
20183
47% In a crash, the percentage higher likelihood a woman will be
more seriously injured than a man4
71% In a crash, the percentage higher likelihood a woman will be
more moderately injured than a man
17% In a crash, the percentage higher likelihood a woman will die
than a man
1
NHTSA Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2018, published June 2019
(https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812749).
2
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, 2017 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview, published October 2018
(https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812603).
3
Stop. Trains Can’t campaign materials, accessed at website of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/rail).
4
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez, p. 186.