New Data On Fatal Rhode Island Traffic Crashes Released By Feds

Traffic deaths fell in Rhode Island in 2025, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Overall, traffic deaths fell to record lows last year, according to the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

See also: Rhode Islanders Among America's Most Reckless Drivers: Study

With an estimated 36,640 traffic deaths in 2025, a 6.7% decline from 2024, the nation saw its lowest traffic fatality rate in recorded history, at 1.10 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

See also: Rhode Island's Truck Traffic Densest In Nation: Study

Rhode Island saw 37 traffic deaths in 2025, compared with 52 deaths the year prior, a 29% decline, according to the DOT. The fatality rate last year was 0.47 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

NHTSA estimates that fatalities decreased in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in 2025. Preliminary Federal Highway Administration 2025 data shows that vehicle miles traveled had increased by about 29.8 billion miles, or about 0.9%.

See also: Rhode Island's Roads 3rd Worst In America: Report

NHTSA also recently released its annual traffic fatality data for 2024, which showed drunken driving fatalities. Of the 52 fatal crashes in 2024 in Rhode Island, 19, or 37%, were alcohol-related, according to the agency’s data.

See also: Rhode Island Drivers Pretty Good: Study

The NHTSA also announced that April has been declared National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. From April 6-13, the “Put the Phone Away or Pay” stepped-up law enforcement campaign will remind the public of the financial, legal, and even deadly consequences of driving distracted.

Eighteen people are injured every half hour in distracted driving crashes, and one person is killed about every 2.5 hours, according to the NHTSA.

See also: Rhode Island No. 2 In Nation For Speed-Related Crashes: Study