Portland reports 39 traffic deaths in 2025, extending declines and cutting East Portland fatalities sharply

Traffic deaths fall again, reaching the lowest total since 2018

Portland recorded 39 traffic deaths in 2025, marking a second consecutive annual decline and the city’s lowest total since 2018. The figure represents a 38% drop compared with the average of the previous four years and a steep decline from the 69 deaths reported in 2023.

The 2025 totals were released March 5, 2026 in the city’s annual deadly traffic crash report. The city noted the numbers are based on preliminary data and may change as records are finalized.

East Portland shows the largest shift, with deaths down 56%

East Portland saw the most pronounced improvement. Traffic deaths there fell 56% compared with the recent four-year average. The area recorded 11 deaths in 2025, and for the first time since 2018 the total was below 20.

Citywide totals by travel mode show that, alongside the overall decline, deaths among people in motor vehicles fell sharply. The city’s Vision Zero dashboard lists 2025 preliminary deaths as: 20 pedestrians, 3 people on bicycles, 8 people on motorcycles, and 8 people in motor vehicles, totaling 39.

Enforcement, speed management and corridor work highlighted in 2025 actions

City agencies described a combination of enforcement strategies and street-safety projects aimed at reducing deadly and serious crashes. Police traffic enforcement was described as focused on behaviors most associated with severe outcomes, including speeding and impaired driving, with emphasis on the High Crash Network.

The city also reported that it did not record any DUII-related deadly crashes during peak holiday periods in 2025, while noting that coordinated enforcement missions are typically conducted during select weekends and holidays.

• Speed limits were reduced on 22 miles of Portland streets under state guidelines, including segments of SE 92nd Avenue, NE Fremont Street, N Mississippi Avenue, N Russell Street and SW Vermont Street.
• Twenty-five existing speed and intersection safety cameras were upgraded through work with a new vendor.
• “No turn on red” signage was expanded in the Northwest Pedestrian District, with upgrades at 15 intersections.
• Multiple projects on or near high-crash corridors advanced, including improvements in Jade and Montavilla, NE 60th and Halsey, NE Broadway, NE Halsey safety and transit access work, and Outer Stark safety work.

Progress within a longer-term safety framework

Portland’s Vision Zero framework sets a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. The city’s Vision Zero action plan update for 2023–2025 describes a “Safe System” approach that pairs safer street design and speeds with safer behavior, vehicles and post-crash response. The city has also described ongoing annual reporting and evaluation of selected projects when major changes are expected to affect driving behavior and safety outcomes.

In 2025, Portland’s traffic deaths declined for a second consecutive year, with East Portland recording 11 deaths and the city’s total falling to 39.