Being the 9th most-populated state in the US, traffic congestion is a common occurrence on the roads and highways of North Carolina. The sheer number of cars on the roads leads to traffic crashes almost daily, with many of them causing injury and even death.
But not all cities in the state are equally dangerous for drivers. While some cities are relatively safe, others have made it to the list of top traffic-crash-prone cities in the country as a whole. As per an official report, the number of reported traffic crashes in the state in 2020 went down by 13.3% compared to the previous year. But, at the same time, the number of fatalities caused by the accidents went up by 12.8%. Speeding and distracted driving were some of the main causes of these accidents.
Traffic Crash Statistics In North Carolina
In 2020, the number of reported traffic crashes in North Carolina was 247214. These accidents led to 1658 fatalities in addition to injuring 105382 people. More than a quarter of the fatalities was caused by speeding vehicles. While traffic crashes were rampant throughout the year, they peaked during the last three months. The number of crashes in October, November, and December were 24219, 24775, and 23201, respectively. This trend has been observed in the preceding years too.
Cities In North Carolina With The Most Number Of Car Accidents
Many cities in North Carolina saw an increase in the total number of crashes – both fatal and non-fatal. Below are some of the most accident-prone cities in North Carolina which are populated by more than 10000 people.
Charlotte
Charlotte has been consistently ranking at first place in terms of most traffic crashes in North Carolina since 2018. The city has witnessed around 126479 traffic crashes since 2018, of which 288 were fatal.
Greensboro
With a total of 32164 traffic crashes since 2018, Greensboro ranks second in terms of traffic crashes in North Carolina. In fact, several people reach out to Greensboro Car Accident Attorneys every year to seek legal help for accident-related cases.
Lumberton
Lumberton has reported 5718 crashes since 2018 and stands at 3rd position (as of 2020) in North Carolina. It includes 1086 non-fatal injury crashes as well as 15 fatal ones.
Burlington
Ranking at 4th position, Burlington has witnessed 8758 traffic crashes between 2018 to 2020. It included 15 fatal crashes as well as 1857 injury cases.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville has jumped from the 11th position in 2017 to the 5th in 2020. The city reported 25918 crashes between 2018 and 2020.
Asheville
Asheville has reported 18440 traffic crashes since 2018, of which 3239 led to injuries, while 35 were fatal. It currently ranks 6th among the cities in North Carolina with the most number of traffic crashes (as of 2020).
Winston-Salem
In 2017 Winston-Salem occupied the 30th rank in terms of traffic crashes in North Carolina. The city has gone up the list to reach the 7th rank in the state in 2020. As per official figures, 42451 traffic crash cases were reported in the city between 2018 and 2020, of which 7738 led to injuries, while 69 were fatal.
Greenville
From being the city with the most number of traffic crashes in 2017, Greenville has come down to occupy the 8th position in 2020. 13041 traffic crashes have been reported here between 2018 and 2020.
Gastonia
With 14387 reported traffic accidents, Gastonia is another dangerous North Carolina city.
Raleigh
Raleigh is also among the top ten cities in North Carolina in terms of traffic crashes. The city witnessed 73047 reported cases between 2018 to 2020.
Summing Up
Car accidents, even if not fatal, can be traumatizing for the victims. If you have had such an unfortunate experience, it’s best to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer regarding further action.
