U.S. Car Crash Statistics for 2025

A Nationwide Look at Car Accident Trends, Risk Factors, and How Victims Can Pursue Legal Compensation

The United States continues to experience a high number of car accidents and crash-related fatalities in 2025. According to data analyzed by Insurify and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5.9 million car crashes occurred in 2022, a 13% increase from pre-COVID levels. While some improvements have been seen in certain states, others, like New York, experienced a sharp 10% increase in collisions from 2023 to 2024. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, over 29,000 people died in car crashes, highlighting the persistent danger American drivers face on the road.

The leading causes of these accidents include excessive speed, impaired driving, distracted driving, and increased congestion. Fatalities have remained significantly higher than in 2019, despite recent safety initiatives.

State-by-State Crash Rates: Where Accidents Are Most Frequent

State-specific collision rates vary dramatically. In 2024, Massachusetts held the highest accident rate at 6.07%, followed closely by New Hampshire and Rhode Island. On the other hand, Michigan reported the lowest accident rate, at just 1.68%.

Top 5 States by Crash Rate (2024):

• Massachusetts: 6.07%
• New Hampshire: 5.81%
• Rhode Island: 5.63%
• Maine: 5.38%
• Nebraska: 5.13%

States with the Most Alarming Trends:

• New York was one of only two states to see an increase in crash rates, rising by 10% from 2023. The state is focusing on reducing congestion and implementing local safety initiatives, such as congestion pricing in Manhattan and expanding speed-reduction zones.
• Vermont experienced a 2% increase in collisions.
• Wisconsin had the most dramatic drop, with a 34% reduction in crash rates.

Why Crash Rates Are Climbing in Certain States

Several states have adopted aggressive safety strategies, like Michigan’s “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign and infrastructure improvements, that have paid off. Others, however, face unique challenges. New York’s urban congestion, aging infrastructure, and enforcement lags make it difficult to reduce crash frequency despite new safety laws.

Legislative efforts vary widely from state to state. For example:

• Massachusetts enacted new laws to protect bicyclists and roadside workers but still struggles with high crash numbers.
• Michigan installed rumble strips and widened road shoulders to improve visibility and slow traffic.
• New York is trying new tactics like congestion pricing and mandatory pedestrian safety education for new drivers.

Who’s Getting Into Crashes: Age and Gender Trends

Young drivers continue to have the highest accident rates. Drivers under 25, particularly those in Generation Z, were involved in more crashes than any other age group. In contrast, Baby Boomers had the fewest crashes.

Accident Rates by Age Group (2024):

• Gen Z: 6.84%
• Millennials: 4.24%
• Gen X: 3.51%
• Baby Boomers: 3.12%

Teen drivers face higher insurance premiums due to their inexperience and tendency to engage in riskier behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving. Males, regardless of age group, are statistically more likely to be involved in both total and fatal crashes.

Gender Trends:

• In 2022, 43,582 men were drivers in fatal crashes, nearly three times more than women.
• Insurance rates remain higher for male drivers in most states due to increased crash risk.

Fatal Car Accidents: Trends and Causes

While total crash fatalities have seen minor year-over-year declines since 2022, the number of fatalities still remains above pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, 42,514 people died in traffic accidents. For comparison, 36,355 fatalities were recorded in 2019.

Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents (2022):

• Driving too fast for conditions: 18.5%
• Alcohol, drug, or medication impairment: 11%
• Distracted driving: 5.2%
• Drowsy driving: 2.1%

The deadliest time periods tend to be nighttime hours, especially Friday and Saturday nights, and summer months, when road travel peaks. Fatal accidents most often occur in normal weather conditions and on clear roads.

Vehicle Types and Brands Involved in Most Accidents

Passenger vehicles, which include sedans, SUVs, and pickups, make up 92% of registered vehicles and were involved in the majority of crashes.

Most Accident-Prone Makes (2024):

• RAM: 9.88%
• Subaru: 9.44%
• Jeep: 8.94%

Safest Makes (Lowest Accident Rates):

• Lincoln: 6.73%
• Dodge: 6.82%
• Mitsubishi: 6.84%

Most Accident-Prone Models (2024):

• Kia Soul EV: 15.14%
• Mazda Mazdaspeed 3: 12.57%
• Chevrolet Bolt EUV: 11.75%

Vehicle make and model clearly impact accident likelihood. EVs and compact models with high performance engines often have elevated crash statistics, likely due to acceleration capabilities and newer driver demographics.

When Car Crashes Happen: Timing Matters

Crashes spike during late evenings and early mornings, particularly on weekends. According to NHTSA data, the most dangerous time for fatal accidents in 2022 was Saturday between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Most Dangerous Time Periods for Fatal Crashes:

• Saturday 9:00 p.m.–11:59 p.m.
• Sunday 12:00 a.m.–2:59 a.m.

Most Dangerous Time Periods for Injury Crashes and Property Damage:

• Friday 3:00 p.m.–5:59 p.m.

These peak danger windows coincide with higher alcohol consumption, fatigue, and increased travel. Knowing these patterns can help drivers make safer choices, but it also reinforces how unpredictable and dangerous road travel remains.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, whether it involved distracted driving, a high-crash-risk vehicle, or occurred during one of the peak danger time periods, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

The national personal injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is ready to help you understand your legal options. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide car accident injury law firm is ready to assist you.