In 2025, 39 people were killed in traffic crashes in Portland, a second consecutive year of declining deaths, marking a decisive return to pre-pandemic levels and a 38% decrease from the average of the previous four years.

Deaths in East Portland fell even more significantly -- by 56% -- over the same period. For the first time since 2018, East Portland recorded fewer than 20 traffic deaths — 11 in total.

The yearly total was a steep decline from the record 69 deaths in 2023, and the lowest total since 2018, when there were 35.

The figures were released today in the City of Portland’s Portland 2025 Deadly Traffic Crash Report.

“The City of Portland is committed to Vision Zero, and I’m proud of the lifesaving progress we’ve made,” said Mayor Wilson. “Even so, we cannot forget that 39 of our neighbors were lost last year to a fully preventable cause of death. I’m grateful for my Council colleagues and City personnel as we align and inspire people and resources across the city to reach the true goal of Vision Zero.”

Following a resolution by the City Council last year, city staff have been devising strategies for bureaus across city government to make our streets safer.

The Portland Police Bureau has been a key partner with PBOT in traffic safety. Traffic investigations produce the data Portland relies on to understand where high crash rates are happening.

The Portland Police Bureau remains committed to supporting Vision Zero by focusing enforcement efforts on the behaviors most likely to result in serious injury or deadly crashes. The Traffic Division prioritizes traffic law enforcement strategies that address speeding, impaired driving, and other high-risk violations that put community members at risk. Much of this enforcement focuses on the High Crash Network throughout Portland.

Throughout the year, and particularly during select weekends and holidays, the Bureau partners with law enforcement agencies across the region to conduct high-visibility DUII enforcement missions. These coordinated efforts are designed to deter impaired driving and enhance public safety during peak travel periods. Notably, Portland did not record any DUII-related deadly crashes during peak holiday periods last year.

In 2025, the Traffic Division issued 7,546 citations and 1,396 warnings. Additionally, the team made 311 arrests — 222 of which were for DUII. These efforts reflect the Bureau’s continued commitment to accountability, prevention, and collaborative action in pursuit of safer streets for everyone.

It takes years for traffic safety trends to emerge. The 2025 deadly crash report shows some differences from prior years and also some patterns emerging in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

People in motor vehicles: There were eight people in motor vehicles killed in traffic crashes, a 64% decrease from the previous year and 75% fewer than in 2023. This is the lowest number since 2014, when there were six deaths among people in motor vehicles.
Pedestrians: 51% of people killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians in 2025. This was the third straight year of declining pedestrian deaths since the peak in 2022.
Older adults: 2025 saw an increase in older adults killed in traffic crashes, with 33% of people killed in traffic crashes age 65 or older. This is more than double the percentage in the prior four years, which was between 10% and 14%.
Youth: Only one of the 39 traffic crash victims was a youth (18 or younger), a dramatic shift from 2024 when they accounted for 12% of all traffic deaths.
Experiencing houselessness: 20% of pedestrian deaths involved people experiencing houselessness, down from between 36% and 74% in the previous four years.
Portland death rate lower than U.S. and Oregon: Portland’s traffic death rate continues to remain lower than national and state figures. From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 through 2023, death rates at all levels of government reached highs not seen since the early 2000s.

PBOT updates the public on the city’s Vision Zero work annually — what work we’ve done and what areas need more attention — through the annual Vision Zero Action Plan Progress Report.

A few notable takeaways for 2025 from the report:

Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation

Mike Jones