On this page: About the National Data | Methodology | History
About the National Data
Data
Data Sources: National Vital Statistics System - Mortality (NVSS-M), CDC/NCHS; Population Estimates, Census
Baseline: 11.2 motor vehicle traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population occurred in 2018
Target: 10.1 per 100,000
Methodology
FOR SINGLE DATA YEARS: Death rates are calculated based on the resident population of the United States for the data year involved. For census years (e.g., 2010), population counts enumerated as of April 1 are used. For all other years, populations estimates as of July 1 are used. Postcensal population estimates are used in rate calculations for years after a census year and match the data year vintage (e.g., July 1, 2011, resident population estimates from Vintage 2011 are used as the denominator for 2011 rates). Intercensal population estimates are used in rate calculations for the years between censuses (e.g., 1991–1999, 2001–2009). Race-specific population estimates for 1991 and later use bridged-race categories.
FOR MULTIPLE DATA YEARS: Death rates are calculated based on the sum of the resident populations for each of the data years involved (e.g., the denominator of a rate for 2008–2010 combined is the sum of the population estimates for 2008, 2009, and 2010). For census years (e.g., 2010), population counts enumerated as of April 1 are used. For all other years, population estimates as of July 1 are used. Postcensal population estimates are used in rate calculations for years after a census year and match the data year vintage (e.g., July 1, 2011, resident population estimates from Vintage 2011 are used as the denominator for 2011 rates). Intercensal population estimates are used in rate calculations for the years between censuses (e.g., 1991–1999, 2001–2009). Race-specific population estimates for 1991 and later use bridged-race categories.
