Move the car:
The state requires all drivers to move their vehicles to the shoulder of the road after any minor accidents. It will help traffic to continue flowing normally and prevent secondary wrecks.
North Carolina Car Crash Statistics
North Carolina is among the top five most dangerous states for motorists. In 2021, the state had the fifth-highest fatalities caused by traffic collisions. The vast road network and high population have led to increased traffic congestion, raising concerns about road safety in the state.
The leading cause of traffic crashes in North Carolina is distracted driving. Speeding and drunk driving are also other factors that contribute to the high crash rates in the state. Additionally, extreme rain and snow storms reduce road visibility and traction, leading to fatal crashes.
Fatal Crashes
1,535
Deaths
1,663
Deaths per 100,000 population
15.7
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.41
Crash Types
1,663
Single-vehicle
884
Multiple-vehicle
779
Alcohol Involvement
899killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
616
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in North Carolina
Certain roads and highways in North Carolina are notorious for accidents and fatalities. The most dangerous roads for motorists in the state include;
40
28 Fatalities/year
70
26 Fatalities/year
85
18 Fatalities/year
55
13 Fatalities/year
421
14 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in North Carolina
- In 2021, there were 1,783 deaths related to traffic collisions in the state. This was a 7.5% increase from 2020.
- The state recorded 276,026 traffic crashes, resulting in 1,653 fatal crashes in 2021. This was an 11.7% increase from 2020.
- 60% of all child-related fatalities in 2021 occurred when the children were not wearing seat belts during the crash.
- Between 2016 and 2021, the highest number of traffic crashes occurred in 2019, with 285,074 collisions that resulted in 1,369 deaths.
- 17.9% of all crashes in 2021 were caused by distracted driving.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
After a car accident in Following a car accident in North Carolina, taking prompt and informed action can save lives and prevent more property damage. This is a breakdown of the necessary steps to take after a collision:North Carolina, taking the correct steps can significantly impact your health, safety, and legal rights. Here's a summary of what you should do:
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Stay at the scene:
After moving the car, drivers should remain at the scene of the accident until they provide all their information to the other party or law enforcement arrives.
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Turn on safety hazards and use traffic control devices:
Vehicle operators should turn on their hazard lights and use devices like cones or flares to inform other motorists to approach cautiously.
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Check if anyone is injured:
After the accident, it is essential to check if anyone involved has sustained injuries. The medical emergency team should be called immediately in case of serious injury, and the person should not be moved.
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Contact law enforcement:
The state requires that any collisions that result in personal injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more be reported to law enforcement immediately.
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Provide your information:
In case of a minor accident, North Carolina law requires individuals involved to provide their names, addresses, phone numbers, driving license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. They should also get the names of witnesses at the scene.
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Notify your insurance carrier:
If drivers want to file an insurance claim, they should call their insurance agency to help them start the process.
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Maintain a record:
Vehicle operators should always retain any accident documents. These documents include crash reports, insurance claims, and medical files related to the incident.
North Carolina Driving Laws and Facts
North Carolina has comprehensive laws to protect all road users in the state. These laws and facts include:
Distracted Drivers Law
The state prohibits drivers from texting or reading emails and texts unless the car is parked or has stopped moving. Drivers should not text or read emails if the vehicle has stopped at a stop sign or a red light.
Vehicle operators above 18 can use their phones to make and receive calls while driving.
The state allows using hands-free and voice-command devices while the car moves.
The law permits using factory-installed or aftermarket global positioning systems while driving.
Teenage drivers are not allowed to text or make calls while driving.
Regardless of age, drivers are exempted from this rule if they need to call or text during an emergency.
Seat Belt Laws
The state requires all vehicle occupants, including drivers, to wear safety belts when moving.
However, if occupants are in a motor home, the only people required to wear a seat belt while the car is in motion are drivers and front seat passengers.
Drivers are legally responsible for any children aged 16 and below while in a car.
Children aged eight and below must be properly fastened and secured in a booster seat or child safety seat while the car is in motion.
North Carolina law requires children aged five and below to always sit in the car's rear while it is in motion.
Teenage Driving Laws
In the state, the legal driving age starts at 15 years, and novice drivers must have a graduated license before they receive full driving privileges.
Teen drivers must have a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit for six months before getting a Level 2 Provisional License. To get the provisional license, drivers must log 60 hours of driving experience and pass a written and practical test to show their competency.
Teen drivers with a Level 1 permit are only allowed to operate a vehicle while under adult supervision. Additionally, the supervising adult should always sit next to the driver.
Teen drivers should not drive between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Novice drivers cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless it is their immediate family.
Cargo Bed Laws
The state prohibits drivers from operating a car with children under 16 years sitting in the vehicle's cargo bed.
However, this law does not apply if the child has an adult supervising them in the cargo area, if there is an emergency, if the child is in a safety seat installed in the cargo area, if the car is operated in an agricultural premise, or during a parade.
Driving Under the Influence
North Carolina prohibits drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than .08% from operating a vehicle.
Commercial vehicle operators should have a BAC lower than .04%.
Move over laws
In North Carolina, the state requires drivers to move over lanes and protect the safety of any law enforcement, emergency, or utility vehicles parked on the road with their warning lights flashing.
If drivers cannot change lanes, they should slow down, approach the emergency vehicles cautiously, and stop while waiting for the lane to clear.
Using Vehicle Mirrors
North Carolina law requires all cars on the road to have at least one outside mirror mounted on the driver's side.
Additionally, all vehicles must have an inside rearview mirror, except for trucks, construction, and farm vehicles.
Car Insurance
The state requires all cars on the road to have minimum liability coverage while operating on the road.
Drivers must also provide insurance information about the car when law enforcement asks, during an accident, or in traffic court.
Coasting Downhill
Car operators are prohibited from coasting downhill with the car's gear set in neutral.
Additionally, commercial vehicle drivers should not coast downhill with the clutch disengaged.
North Carolina Weird Traffic Laws
While many traffic laws and regulations are consistent across state lines, North Carolina has several weird regulations. They include:
- It is illegal to drive slowly: Driving too slow can get vehicle operators a citation when they impede traffic flow on the road or highway.
- It is illegal to drive on sidewalks: Though it might seem obvious, the state prohibits drivers from operating motor vehicles, including motorcycles, on the sidewalk.
- No rollerblading on the highway: The state prohibits skating or rollerblading on any roads or highways.
- Wearing a seat belt if the car is going slow: The state allows drivers and passengers not to wear seat belts if the vehicle frequently stops and does not exceed 20 mph.
- It is illegal to litter on the road: The state prohibits any road users from littering on the road or public and private property unless they own the property.