Analysis of fatal accident data from 1975 through 1987 indicated an increase in such accidents from 1975 to 1980, a decrease through 1982-1983, and then an increase again through 1987. Driver fatalities account for more than half of all motor vehicle-related fatalities, and male fatalities dominate the fatality statistics, whether viewed as simple counts or adjusted for exposure in terms of fatality rates per million population. The fatality rate for females aged 16 and 17 years increased about 40 percent. Fatalities were compared to other exposure measures, such as miles driven, drivers, and registered vehicles. The fact that these fatality rates have steadily declined suggests that the apparent increase in various fatal accident statistics since 1983 is most likely a function of increased motor vehicle safety rather than a decline in general motor vehicle safety. 4 tables, bibliography, appendix.