Massachusetts Crash Statistics

Massachusetts Crash Statistics

A look at the crash statistics for 2014 shows that Massachusetts and its drivers have worked very hard to improve the safety of its highways and byways. Some of this work consists of implementing a three-stage program for new drivers, improving helmet laws, and the primary enforcement of seatbelt laws.

Ten-year data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that traffic fatalities and the number of drivers involved in those accidents have gradually but steadily fallen. Of the 422 drivers who were involved in fatal accidents, 24 were young drivers under the age of 20. A decade earlier, 88 new drivers were involved fatal collisions.

Motor vehicle crash data show the types of crashes that caused fatalities, of them –

  • 231 died in single vehicle accidents
  • 24 deaths involved one or more large trucks
  • 77 deaths involved at least one speeding driver
  • 52 died in vehicle rollovers
  • 193 died when their vehicle left the roadway
  • 61 died at or near an intersection

The vehicles involved in these fatal collisions include –

  • Passenger cars (150 deaths)
  • Pickup trucks (15 deaths)
  • Light utility trucks (23 deaths)
  • Vans (4 deaths)
  • Large trucks (4 deaths)

Unfortunately, nearly half of the people killed in these accidents were not wearing their seat belts. It is estimated that an additional 42 could have been saved if every person wore the proper restraints every time they got into a vehicle.

Drunk driving is declining in the state, but not enough. From a ten-year high of 155 alcohol-related deaths in 2007 to 133 in 2014, this marginal decline shows that more needs to be done to deter this type of negligent driving behavior.

Speed-related fatal accidents have decreased over a ten-year period, falling from a high of 148 in 2006 to a low of 77 in 2014, a nearly 50 percent drop. Still, the loss of 77 people leaves Massachusetts a long way from the goal of zero preventable traffic deaths.

Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for all riders in the state. This efficacy of this law is reflected in the statistics. 43 people died in 2014 in motorcycle crashes, and only four were not wearing a helmet. According to the NHTSA, helmet use has saved the lives of 23 people and could have saved an additional two people.

Pedestrian deaths are stubbornly high, falling from 76 deaths to 70 deaths over a decade with a high of 82 deaths in 2012 and a low of 46 deaths in 2009. It is evident that the state needs to do much better in ensuring the safety of walkers and joggers on public roadways.

Bicyclist deaths fell from a high of 16 in 2012 to 8 in 2014. No steady decline is represented in the numbers, and the totals for cyclists’ deaths spike from five deaths to 16 back down to six over three consecutive years. The safety of these vulnerable road users should not be hit and miss.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident? Call Us Today!

Massachusetts highways and bi-ways are dangerous. If you’ve been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you need a dedicated team of attorneys and legal professionals fighting for your rights. Our attorneys have a long and proven record of helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve.

Call us today if you or a loved one were injured in a

  • Commercial bus crashes
  • School bus accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Truck crashes
  • Motorcycle collisions
  • Commercial vehicle accidents
  • Semi-truck crashes

We’ll fight insurance companies, negligent operators, and reckless drivers to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.


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