Crash Locations

Understanding the locations and circumstances of traffic crashes is crucial for implementing effective safety measures. Below is a detailed overview of crash statistics in the United States, with a specific focus on New Hampshire.

United States Crash Statistics

  • Overall Fatalities: In 2022, there were 42,514 motor vehicle crash fatalities in the U.S., equating to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.33 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

    Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  • State Variations: Fatality rates per 100,000 people varied significantly across states, from 4.8 in the District of Columbia and Rhode Island to 23.9 in Mississippi.

    Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  • Road Type:

    • Interstates and Freeways: Accounted for 15% of crash fatalities.
    • Arterial Roads: Major arterial roads saw 27% of fatalities, and minor arterials accounted for 20%.
    • Collectors and Local Roads: These roads combined accounted for 38% of fatalities.

  • Crash Locations:

    • Intersections: About 25% of fatal crashes occurred at or near intersections.
    • Non-Intersections: The majority, approximately 75%, occurred on open road segments away from intersections.

  • Time and Day:

    • Nighttime Crashes: Fatal crashes are more likely to occur during nighttime hours.
    • Weekends: Higher incidence of fatal crashes typically occurs on weekends.

New Hampshire Crash Statistics

  • Overall Fatalities: In 2024, New Hampshire experienced 135 crash deaths.

  • Crash Locations:

    • Urban vs. Rural: Approximately 45% of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022 occurred in urban areas, while 55% occurred in rural areas.
    • Intersections: Intersections, especially those lacking traffic control devices, are common sites for crashes.

  • Contributing Factors:

    • Speeding: A leading cause of fatal crashes in the state.
    • Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment contribute significantly to crash rates.
    • Distracted Driving: Use of mobile devices and other distractions are notable contributors.

Data Sources and Limitations

  • United States: National data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

    crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov

  • New Hampshire: State-specific data is available through the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety and local news reports.

    nh.gov

Both nationally and within New Hampshire, traffic crash fatalities remain a significant public safety concern. Understanding the specific locations and contributing factors of these crashes is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve road safety.