Driving can be risky and dangerous, even for the most experienced and defensive drivers. Accidents can occur at any time, often without warning. As a North Carolinian driver, it is important to be informed about the latest driving statistics to make informed decisions behind the wheel. This blog will discuss some of the most important driving statistics and facts that every driver in North Carolina should know.
By the Numbers
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported the following statistics for 2021:
- 276,026 total crashes, or 756 crashes a day.
- 74,639 crashes resulting in injury, or 204 crashes a day.
- 1,653 crashes resulting in fatalities, or 4 crashes a day.
Accidents Throughout the Year
Car crashes tend to increase during certain times of the year, particularly during holidays and certain months. This is often due to a variety of factors, such as more people traveling, more alcohol consumption, and more distractions on the road.
In North Carolina, the last quarter of the year, October through December, sees the highest rate of car crashes, with an average of 26,627 crashes per month, or 289 crashes per day.
As for crashes on holidays, the following was reported:
- New Year: 986 crashes, 421 injuries, and 11 fatalities.
- Easter: 2,136 crashes, 990 injuries, and 19 fatalities.
- Memorial Day: 1,996 crashes, 960 injuries, and 11 fatalities.
- Fourth of July: 1,431 crashes, 676 injuries, and 16 fatalities.
- Labor Day: 1,936 crashes, 924 injuries, and 23 fatalities.
- Thanksgiving: 2,908 crashes, 1,112 injuries, and 13 fatalities.
- Christmas: 2,719 crashes, 1,140 injuries, and 24 fatalities.
Planning holiday travel carefully, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding texting or other distractions while driving can make a significant difference in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
The Human Factor
While inclement weather, vehicular failure, or other external factors may contribute to car crashes, drivers remain responsible for the majority of accidents. Here’s what you should know:
Risky Driver Behaviors
The top contributing driver behaviors that led to accidents include the following:
- Failure to reduce speed.
- Driver inattention.
- Failure to yield the right of way.
- Improper lane change.
- Operated vehicle in a negligent or aggressive manner.
Driver Age
Drivers aged 20 to 29 were the most likely to be involved in a car crash, accounting for 27.2% of all car crashes. The remaining breakdowns by driver age are as follows:
- 30-39-year-olds accounted for 23.6% of all crashes.
- 40-49-year-olds accounted for 16.4% of all crashes.
- 50-59-year-olds accounted for 14.6% of all crashes.
- 60-69-year-olds accounted for 10.5% of all crashes.
- 70+-year-olds accounted for 7.6% of all crashes.
Related Reading
Top 10 Mistakes after a Car Accident
North Carolina Car Accident Attorneys
Taking time to understand and be aware of the driving statistics unique to North Carolina will help you make informed decisions and more safely navigate the roads. If a serious accident occurs, it is always best to get legal advice to protect your rights and those of other individuals involved.
Contact Lanier Law Group, P.A. as soon as you can after an accident to ensure your case is filed before the statute of limitations expires. We have multiple offices across North Carolina to best serve you, including a new office location in Myrtle Beach, SC.