CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina has the fourth-highest amount of fatal crashes during evening rush-hour traffic, according to a recent study from Kitchel Law.
The study analyzed data from 2018 to 2022 on fatal crashes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and measured crash rates per 100,000 licensed drivers.
Among all 50 states, North Carolina averaged 18.2 fatal evening rush-hour crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, the fourth-highest rate in the country.
Top contributing factors to the high number of fatal crashes include distracted driving, fatigue, and a rush to get home.
“Fatigue from a long day at work and the rush to beat traffic can lead to a lack of focus and road rage — two key ingredients for accidents,” a Kitchel Law spokesperson said. “We urge drivers to consider traveling during less congested times, stay hydrated, and take breaks by stepping out of the car for a few stretches to stay alert and reduce risk on the road.”
From 2018-22, North Carolina experienced a five-year average of 250.6 fatal accidents. The worst year was 2021 when the Tar Heel state had 289 crashes.
Below is a table of the top 10 states with the highest evening rush-hour crashes:
| Rank | State | Average 5pm to 7pm Fatal Crash Rates (2018-2022) | Licensed Drivers | Fatal Evening Rush-Hour Crashes per 100,000 Licensed Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 177.8 | 513,838 | 34.6 |
| 2 | Alabama | 150.4 | 528,873 | 28.4 |
| 3 | Virginia | 146.4 | 543,057 | 27.0 |
| 4 | North Carolina | 250.6 | 1,374,529 | 18.2 |
| 5 | Arizona | 180 | 2,097,201 | 8.6 |
| 6 | Missouri | 154.6 | 1,968,907 | 7.9 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 90.6 | 1,177,136 | 7.7 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 99.8 | 1,456,500 | 6.9 |
| 9 | Indiana | 134 | 2,143,665 | 6.3 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 59.6 | 1,011,385 | 5.9 |
