Americans drove more in 2025. Rigorous safety technology, data-driven infrastructure improvements, and positive economic trends are collectively shifting the risk landscape for the better.
At ClaimBuyout, we monitor these developments closely. Every mile, every shift in travel behavior, and every new vehicle technology matters to the people we serve. When a vehicle is involved in an accident, owners deserve options beyond repair, and understanding these broader trends helps us provide timely, informed solutions.
Early estimates from NHTSA and the National Safety Council show traffic fatalities down 8–13% in the first half of the year, marking twelve consecutive quarters of improvement since the pandemic peak.
Even more notable: fatalities declined while vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Traffic Volume Trends report. For those of us in the vehicle claims and buyout space, these numbers underscore a simple reality: the more people drive, the more opportunities for accidents—but fewer are resulting in fatalities thanks to technology and infrastructure improvements.
Higher travel across commuting, leisure, and freight (Federal Highway Administration, BTS)
Wider adoption of ADAS features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping (IIHS, OEM reporting)
Safer corridors and modernized infrastructure (USDOT)
Strong consumer spending and relatively stable fuel prices (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Energy Information Administration)
At ClaimBuyout, we watch these dynamics closely. They inform how we anticipate accident volumes and the types of vehicles that may enter the buyout market.
Despite positive trends, human behavior remains the top risk. NHTSA reports that distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and general driver error continue to account for over 90% of all crashes.
Newer, less experienced drivers entering the workforce (FHWA licensing trends)
Climate-driven weather volatility, which can increase unpredictable crash patterns (NOAA severe weather data)
These trends influence not only roadway safety but also the demand for solutions like ClaimBuyout, where vehicle owners seek alternatives to repair after an accident.