North Carolina Fatal Crash Statistics

North Carolina Fatal Crash Statistics

The Traffic Safety Performance Measures published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2005 to 2014 show that traffic fatalities have decreased in North Carolina just as they have for the rest of the country. Pedestrian deaths increased nationally and in the state, while bicyclists deaths also decreased but not enough to make any rider feel safe.

According to the NHTSA report, of the 1,284 traffic fatalities that occurred in 2014, about 865 were passenger vehicle occupants. Of those, 360 people were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident, and four of those unrestrained passengers were under the age of four. The government agency estimates that seat belt use has saved the lives of 554 people and could have saved 98 more if all vehicle occupants wore their seatbelts every time they traveled.

Motorcyclist deaths have increased over the ten-year period, rising from 152 in 2005 to 190 in 2014. The state has a mandatory helmet law, still, 15 riders were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash, up from 11 riders in 2005.

About 1,748 drivers were involved in fatal crashes in 2014, but only 162 of them were under the age of 21, down from 289 in 2005. The state has implemented a Graduated Driver’s License program that gives new drivers increasing privileges as they accumulate experience. This program is possibly one of the key factors in the decrease of new driver fatal crashes

Key Factors in Traffic Fatalities

Alcohol and speeding are two negligent driving behaviors that take thousands of lives every year across the country. In North Carolina, alcohol was a factor in 378 fatalities, up from a ten-year low of 359 in 2011 and down from a high of 497 in 2007. Speeding was a key factor in the deaths of 497 people, up from a low of 413 and down from a high of 622 people.

Fatal Crash Types

Aside from speed- and alcohol-related crashes, the most common crash types are –

  • Single-vehicle crashes – 756 fatalities
  • Vehicle leaving the roadway – 771 fatalities
  • Rollover accidents – 336 fatalities
  • Intersection accidents – 230 fatalities
  • Crashes involving large trucks – 121 fatalities

Pedestrian and Bicyclists Beware

Pedestrian deaths have increased across the country and in North Carolina, up from a low of 161 in 2011 to 172 deaths in 2014, making the state the 9th deadliest for walkers and joggers. According to SmartGrowthAmerica.org, 76 percent of pedestrian fatalities in our state occurred on roads with a speed limited of 40 mph or higher.

North Carolina also ranks in the nation’s top 10 most dangerous for cyclists, with 36 cyclist fatalities in 2005 falling to 19 deaths in 2014.

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

North Carolina’s 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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