Every statistic represents more than data. It represents a life. A family changed forever. These are not just figures on a chart. They are stories of what happens when drivers make dangerous choices, and the ripple effects those choices have on our communities.

We use data to make smarter, more targeted decisions about how to prevent crashes, save lives, and promote safer driving habits. Working closely with national partners like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), we align our strategies with proven approaches and keep a close eye on where we stand compared to the rest of the country.

Crash numbers and fatalities tell us where we’re making progress and where more attention is needed. By analyzing trends over time, we can identify high-risk behaviors, anticipate emerging problems, and tailor outreach to the communities that need it most.

Because behavior is the key. Whether it’s impaired driving, speeding, distraction, failure to buckle up, or unsafe actions around pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists — every decision behind the wheel has the power to shift these numbers in the right direction. Or the wrong one.

Every crash statistic in New Mexico yields insights into what is happening on our roads and how we can make them safer. This is why the New Mexico Department of Transportation contracts with the Geospatial and Population Studies at the University of New Mexico to conduct data-driven research and analysis. NMDOT collects crash reports from law enforcement across the state, and UNM analyzes that data to reveal patterns in when, where, and why crashes happen. And who is most at risk.

The goal isn’t just to track trends. It’s to understand behaviors, highlight dangers, and help all of us make better decisions behind the wheel. Because when we recognize the risks, we can take action and save lives.