There have been a number of studies in recent years that show North Carolina drivers aren’t the best.
However, this week, a particularly alarming and interesting study found that, when North Carolina drivers are killed in traffic accidents, North Carolina is one of the top ten states where those drivers were likely to have died in a head-on collision.
The research, conducted by Louisiana personal injury firm Laborde Earles, “analyzed the number of head-on collisions as a percentage of fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021,” using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Vermont, Oregon, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Nebraska are the top five in the category no one wants to be a leader in.
North Carolina came in 10th with 936 fatal head-on collisions during the length of the study, meaning that, of fatal collisions in the state, 13.5 percent were head-on crashes. That’s about a third higher than the national average.
The data revealed that Vermont has the very highest percentage of fatal head-on collisions compared to other fatal auto collisions. Out of 294 accidents in that state between 2017 and 2021 – the timeframe for the study – 48 autos were reported to have crashed head-on with another motor vehicle, which was 16 percent of all fatal crashes.
That difference is 54 percent higher than the national average of 10.57 percent.
Oregon’s residents are the second-most likely to be killed in a head-on collision as a percentage of all fatal collisions, according to data from the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 2,316 deadly road accidents, and 365 were head-on collisions, 16 percent of all fatal crashes. As such, Oregon residents were 49 percent more likely to find themselves in a fatal head-on collision compared to other Americans.
Wide-open Alaska, interestingly, has the seventh-highest percentage of fatal head-on collisions in the US. Out of 318 fatal crashes, 44 were head-on collisions –14 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. This figure is 30 percent above the national average.
A spokesperson at Laborde Earles Law Firm commented: “There were 177,409 fatal motor vehicle crashes in America between 2017 and 2021, according to the latest figures from the NHTSA. Out of that total, 18,748 were head-on collisions, which means just over one in 10 fatal crashes were directly into another oncoming vehicle.”
A study spokesperson also noted, “Vermont, the tenth smallest state in America in terms of population, takes the top spot. However, the study features states from all across the nation, highlighting the need for drivers everywhere to be vigilant and cautious when on the road.”
Well, we have some experience with that. We we stopped for a light, it turned green, but suddenly an EMF approached, so we stopped. Rear-ended by the car behind me. GPD said collision speed was approx 15mph.
At that speed, our entire rear end crumpled. Total loss. Car that hit us was a 2001 vehicle – no damage to their car. So that’s how newer cars are built now, easy to damage and expensive to repair. Plastic everywhere, that’s the major reason insurance rates go up so much, expensive repairs. No wonder more people can’t afford them.
We had to buy a newer car, that has more electric/chip things that can go wrong, and expensive to replace.
The insurance company took 32 days to pay us for the loss. Back & forth, a different person every time. They say the are going to do something, but they don’t. If you subscribe to a leading Consumer magazine (or online), you can see all the auto insurers rated from best to worst. The insurance for our loss was rated not the worst, but down on the list. The have a popular name, and are well known. People need to check this these things out before making big decisions.
Finally, insurance paid for the rental car. Taxes on rentals here were 16%. Our govt has their hands in our pockets everywhere. Once enacted, they are hard to rescind. Remember this when you vote (if you bother to show up). Now over 300,000 people in Blacksboro.
“Blacksboro” – really? You sound bitter that Greensboro’s increasingly black and brown population. Get used to it or move to Vermont with your rental car.
Whatever my or your opinion, I didn’t insult your personally. The minority majority here continues to vote for a free lunch; that was my point.
My other point was obvious, high taxes everywhere.
And you are right, I would very like to leave my home town (many of you would like that), but it is not possible now.
Yep, North Carolina and particularly Greensboro is special when it comes to car crashes involving death and serious injuries. Could it be because our Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and Chief of Police have chosen not to effectively enforce traffic law in Greensboro? No, it’s worse than that! GPD will not penalizee those breaking the law on our streets driving dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, ATV’s, and smoking weed! What is even worse is the foolishness of our leadership that chooses to reward our criminals (a criminal is one that breaks the law) with Auto Zone Gift Certificates for improper equipment. There is blood all over these so-called leader’s hands. Maybe you voters will wake up when you get your next auto insurance bill. Auto insurance rates are based on the history and cost of claims which are through the roof! It going to cost you for accepting the poor leadership we currently have in Greensboro!
Jim Donaldson
Al-righty! If we had a full staffed & paid GPD, supported by the citizens and our local govt; our streets would be much safer. Bumps in the road ain’t gonna help. Ben thru a school zone lately?
NC also high on the list for DUI drivers. Goes together.
NC is also on the list of Dipsticks.
Notice many of these states are rural? 2 Lane highways and impatient drivers lead to a lot of deadly head on collisions.