Alarming traffic fatalities and collision trends in the U.S.

Statistics show that since 2021, traffic fatalities in the country have exceeded 40,000 annually.

A recent article from CCJ Digital analyzes a study conducted by Motive that reveals an alarming increase in the dangers on U.S. roadways. Statistics show that since 2021, traffic fatalities in the country have exceeded 40,000 annually. Although last year recorded the lowest number in three years, totaling 40,990 deaths, this figure still represents more than 8,000 fatalities annually compared to a decade ago.

In its study, Motive examined over 45 million collision events from July 2023 to July 2024, aiming to identify dangerous routes and understand the circumstances surrounding accidents. The Motive report was recently presented at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference and Exhibition, highlighting the severity of the situation on the roads.

Traffic accidents in the U.S.: rising numbers

The shared data reveals that for every 10,000 vehicles on the road monthly, there are approximately 84 collisions involving commercial vehicles, which equates to one collision for every 120 vehicles. Most accidents occur on weekdays, particularly between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, according to Motive.

Collision rates are higher in heavy traffic situations and in places like parking lots, suggesting that slow-moving conditions are a critical factor in the frequency of these incidents. Highway 41 and Highway 997 in Florida are identified as the most dangerous roads in the country, with collision rates more than double those of other hazardous routes, such as Highway 285 in Texas.

Additionally, the study examines the impact of major cities, finding that Los Angeles and Detroit have the highest collision rates. Areas near airports in these cities often report the most accidents, underscoring the need to address safety issues in critical zones.

Motive’s Vice President of Product Management revealed that approximately 54% of the fatal collisions reported monthly on their platform involve large trucks, primarily occurring in rural areas. Gregg Troian, President of PGT Trucking, adds that there have never been as many reported accidents at truck stops as in the past two years.

Accidents involving commercial vehicles significantly increase during holidays. During Christmas, accidents rose by 32% compared to the rest of the month, and speeding increased by 10% in the week prior. Winter conditions also contribute to accident rates, making Christmas the most dangerous holiday of the year, followed by New Year’s and Thanksgiving.