Last year was a particularly deadly one on North Carolina’s roadways, with more people dying in traffic crashes across the state than in any other year on record. Many fatal crashes that took place statewide had similar contributing factors, including alcohol, speed and teenage drivers.
Per Fox 8, research shows that there were 84 more traffic deaths in North Carolina in 2021 than there were in 2007, with 1,755 people dying in 1,626 crashes on state roadways during 2021. In 2007, there were 1,705 North Carolina traffic fatalities.
Fatal crash contributors
Data compiled over the past five years shows that many fatal crashes that take place in North Carolina involve newly licensed or older adult drivers. Distracted driving also contributes to many road deaths across the state and nation. Speed, too, is a frequent factor in fatal North Carolina wrecks, as is a lack of seat belt use.
Fatal crash trends
A review of traffic fatalities from 2021 and 2020 shows a sharp increase in the number of fatal crashes involving older adult drivers. The number of fatal crashes that had a driver who was 65 or older behind the wheel increased by 36% between 2020 and 2021. The number of fatal crashes where speed was a factor also increased by almost 3% during this span, while the number of fatal rear-end collisions that took place statewide rose by 21.5% from 2020 to 2021.
Family members who lose loved ones in crashes caused by someone else’s actions may have legal recourse.
