http://www.iihs.org/api/datastoredocument/bibliography/2188 But statistical records of motor vehicle fatalities since the repeal of the 55 mph National Maximum Speed Limit in 1995 indicate that total traffic deaths in the United States have declined from 41,817 that year to 32,479 in 2011, the lowest level in 60 years, before increasing to 37,133 in 2017.