Each year, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) releases its “Crash Facts” report to emphasize the importance of safe driving. Studying these statistics tells us what dangers are becoming increasingly frequent and encourages citizens to spread the word about safe driving habits. We summarized some key findings in the 2023 Crash Facts report for the state of North Carolina.
How many crashes were there in 2023?
2023 saw 284,157 crashes, resulting in 116,695 injuries. Last year, 1,686 people died in car accidents. There were nearly one hundred fewer fatalities compared to 2022, but the overall number of crashes increased by over 10,000. Unfortunately, this rise in the number of crashes has been consistent since 2020.
What role did drunk driving play in car accidents?
Driving under the influence exponentially increases the risk of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08, the legal limit, are four times more likely to cause an accident than a BAC of zero. At a BAC of .15, drivers are 12 times more likely to crash. Nationwide, drunk driving is a factor in 32% of traffic fatalities each year.
In 2023, the number of North Carolina alcohol-related accidents increased by over 300 from 2022, for a total of 8,480 crashes. There were 377 fatalities and 8,103 injuries as a result, making drunk driving a factor in many 2023 crashes.
What can I do to stay safe on the roads?
Unfortunately, the behavior of other drivers can seriously endanger you. In addition to drunk driving, it is believed that distracted driving contributed to roughly 17% of 2023 crashes. The NHTSA defines distracted driving as engaging in any non-driving task while behind the wheel. This includes but is not limited to texting, talking on the phone, changing the music, or eating. To keep yourself and others safe, it’s important to put your phone on Do Not Disturb, queue up a playlist, and focus on getting safely to your destination. If you or someone you know has been drinking, find a safe ride home instead of getting behind the wheel. Preventing car accidents is impossible alone. It’s important that everyone does their part to keep drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists out of harm’s way.
When will 2024 data become available?
The NCDMV releases reports annually on the prior year’s crash data. However, these reports are not immediately available. The 2023 report became publicly available in August 2024, matching the pattern of previous years. Therefore, it is likely we will see 2024 statistics published in August 2025. Just like with the 2023 crashes data, analyzing future reports will be crucial for understanding trends.
What should I do if I am in an accident?
Everyone on the road needs to know what steps to take in the event of an accident. In the moment, a car accident is often an overwhelming event, and it can be hard to think clearly. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident:
- If possible, move your car out of traffic. This will allow traffic to continue to flow and prevent further injury.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
- Gather evidence, document the scene, and get witness contact information.
- Do not admit fault or apologize.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney at Maginnis Howard if you believe the collision was the fault of a negligent driver. Given the high number of 2023 crashes, having legal support can be crucial.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys
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