According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the number of traffic fatalities in 2011 fell 1.9% to 32,367. Based on data released by the NHTSA in December 2012, the number of traffic fatalities has been steadily declining in recent years. The 2011 number marks the lowest number of traffic fatalities since 1949 and a 26% decline since 2005. The NHTSA reported that fatalities in crashes involving drunk driving declined 2.5% in 2011.

Unfortunately, the data also indicates some increases in the number of fatalities.

The number of fatalities in vehicle accidents involving large trucks rose 1.9% to 3,757

The number of truck occupant fatalities increased 20% to 635

The number of motorcyclist fatalities increased 2.1% to 1612

The number of pedestrian fatalities increased 3.0% to 4432

The number of bicyclist fatalities increased 8.7% to 677

The number of fatalities in distraction-affected crashes increased 1.9% to 3,331

Preliminary information indicated a significant increase in the number of motor vehicle fatalities in January-September 2012. Complete data on 2012 motor vehicle fatalities is not expected to be released until late 2013.