Law Enforcement Traffic Fatalities: A Solutions-Based Forum

In 2024, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), in conjunction with partners at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tracked an increase in traffic related law enforcement fatalities and injuries in the United States and its territories. This increase in roadway deaths and injuries was the result of a rise in vehicle crashes over the previous year, as well as a dramatic surge in roadside struck-by crashes. According to the completed data analysis compiled by the members of NLEOMF’s Officer Safety and Wellness team, a total of 46 law enforcement officers were killed in traffic-related incidents across the country.  The team members found more than 200 open-source media reports of officers being injured in situations involving motor vehicles and traffic. Meanwhile, the continual fatalities on American roadways take a tremendous toll on the men and women who serve as first responders and roadside safety workers.  They not only see the devastation firsthand, but they risk becoming victims themselves while responding to assist. The unrelenting crashes, the increasing reckless behavior of motorists, and an apparent increase in pursuits, has created a dangerous atmosphere on our roadways, particularly for law enforcement officers. 

It is imperative for every agency leader to better train and better protect their officers while they operate in the one environment where every officer works, traffic.