New estimates show road deaths are declining in the U.S. and globally. A study published Monday in Lancet Public Health reveals global road injuries and deaths each fell more than 30% from 1990 to 2023. However, progress varies by country, with poorer nations seeing less improvement. In the U.S., traffic deaths rose until 2021 but have since declined. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported fatalities peaked at over 43,000 in 2021 and dropped to about 36,600 last year. The World Health Organization has prioritized road safety for over two decades, and a U.N. meeting this week is addressing this issue.

Cranes operate at the bridge construction site 'Luegbruecke' of the Brenner highway between Innsbruck and the Austrian-Italian border near Steinach, Austria, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Cranes operate at the bridge construction site 'Luegbruecke' of the Brenner highway between Innsbruck and the Austrian-Italian border near Steinach, Austria, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Cranes operate at the bridge construction site 'Luegbruecke' of the Brenner highway between Innsbruck and the Austrian-Italian border near Steinach, Austria, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Cranes operate at the bridge construction site 'Luegbruecke' of the Brenner highway between Innsbruck and the Austrian-Italian border near Steinach, Austria, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Cranes operate at the bridge construction site 'Luegbruecke' of the Brenner highway between Innsbruck and the Austrian-Italian border near Steinach, Austria, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)