Massachusetts Car Crash Statistics

Massachusetts is among the top five safest states for motorists. The state has an extensive road network, including major highways such as Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike), Interstate 93, and Interstate 95. According to reports from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, some roads and intersections are more dangerous than others, having recorded more traffic collisions. Weather is a primary factor that increases the chances of a car crash in Massachusetts. The state experiences frequent snowstorms that create dangerous conditions for motorists. In addition, poor road conditions trigger delays, which may cause car crashes.

Traffic congestion is a prevalent problem in urban areas, especially around Boston. In fact, in 2019, Boston was ranked the worst-congested city in the United States. It highly contributes to traffic collisions in the city. Impaired driving, going over the speed limit, and distracted driving are also factors that trigger car accidents in Massachusetts.

Fatal Crashes

397

Deaths

417

Deaths per 100,000 population

6.0

Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled

0.71

Crash Types

417

Single-vehicle

234

Multiple-vehicle

183

Alcohol Involvement

202killed

Drivers killed with known BAC results

188

Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08

Deaths by Road User

Rural vs. Urban Crashes

Source: IIHS, NHTSA

Number of Fatal Crashes

Number of Serious Injury Crashes

Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Massachusetts

Navigating Massachusetts roads poses various challenges, and some routes have gained notoriety for factors such as heavy traffic, congestion, or a history of accidents. Some of the roads that stand out in terms of accident frequency include:

195

I-195 E from Swansea to Wareham

6 Fatalities/year

I-93 N from Canton to Reading

6 Fatalities/year

495

I-495 N from Wareham to Salisbury

5 Fatalities/year

SR-24 S from Fall River to Randolph

5 Fatalities/year

495

I-495 S from Wareham to Andover

4 Fatalities/year

Key Car Crash Statistics in Massachusetts

In 2022, Massachusetts recorded at least 430 fatalities on public roads. This number made 2022 the second consecutive year Massachusetts has broken a new record for traffic fatalities.
2021 saw at least 408 fatalities, making it the deadliest year on roadways in over a decade before 2022.
In 2022, a notable shift occurred in the demographics of road incident victims. One in four victims were pedestrians or bicyclists. In previous years, motor vehicle individuals, either drivers or passengers, were more affected. The data reveals that drivers were responsible for 99 pedestrians or individuals in wheelchairs fatalities. In addition, drivers were responsible for 10 cyclist fatalities.
2,361 crashes caused severe injuries in Massachusetts in 2022. In that same year, 16,307 crashes resulted in less severe injuries.
The cities of Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge represent 13% of Massachusetts’s population. In 2022, these cities had 26 fatalities in 2022, 6% of the state’s total fatal crash victims. 16 of the fatalities were pedestrians. The cities have embraced the Vision Zero policies to eliminate fatal car crashes.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, specific guidelines and protocols are in place to ensure a systematic response to car collisions. Some of the key guidelines include:

Get Out of The Road

When an accident occurs, there is the possibility of more collisions, adding to the accident. It is especially prevalent in poor weather conditions, such as when it snows in Massachusetts. Therefore, individuals who get in car accidents must first pull to the side of the road or somewhere safe to prevent more accidents. If not possible, individuals should turn on hazards and use safety flares to warn oncoming motorists.

Call 911

Individuals should contact law enforcement after a car accident. Contacting law enforcement is required to get emergency medical services. In addition, Massachusetts laws require individuals to report traffic collisions if death, injury, or damage of more than $1,000 occurs. Law enforcement protects against fleeing the scene and compiles reports that are useful in follow-up.

Take Pictures, Videos, And Notes

Individuals are encouraged to take pictures, videos, and notes of the accident. Those involved can take pictures of the location, scene, crash details, and property damage. This information could help tell the story of the incident, especially if weather conditions or animal crossing contributed to the crash.

Exchange Insurance Information

Massachusetts laws require drivers to share contact and insurance information since all drivers must have auto insurance coverage on all vehicles. The information exchange should include the names of both drivers, contact information, insurance information, license plate number, and driver's license number for both drivers.

Report The Accident

Massachusetts drivers involved in an accident that resulted in injury, fatality, or damage of more than $1,000 must file a crash report with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) within five days of the incident and then send a copy to the police department. Even if law enforcement agents at the site file a police report, the Registry requires this form.

Notify Insurance

Individuals should inform insurance providers of the incident immediately. Individuals are encouraged to provide a short statement to describe the incident, nothing more, until they can secure an attorney. Drivers who want to pursue a claim should always notify insurance providers.

Keep Records

After the accident, drivers may receive several records, such as accident reports, insurance information, and police statements. Individuals are encouraged to keep these reports for reference.

Massachusetts Driving Laws and Facts

Massachusetts has a set of laws that cover various aspects of driving. Fundamental driving laws and facts include:

Seat Belt Laws

All occupants of an automobile must wear seat belts.

Children under the age of 8 or under 57 inches tall must be in a child safety seat.

Child Passenger Safety Laws

Children under the age of 13 must ride in the back seat when practical.

Children under five or less than 40 pounds must be in a federally-approved child passenger restraint.

Headlight Use

Headlights must be turned on 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.

Drivers must activate headlights and taillights during periods of insufficient light, unfavorable atmospheric conditions, or when visibility is reduced to a point where individuals or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly seen at a distance of 500 feet.

Headlights and taillights should be turned on when the vehicle's windshield wipers are in use.

Hands-Free Law

Massachusetts has a hands-free law introduced in 2020 that prohibits using handheld electronic devices while driving unless the device is in hands-free mode.

Registration Renewal

Vehicle registrations under RMV must be renewed annually or every two years, depending on the plate type.

Inspection Stickers

Vehicles must undergo a yearly safety inspection to receive an inspection sticker.

Drunk Driving Laws

The allowed blood alcohol concentration or BAC limit for drivers is 0.08%.

Right Turn on Red

Unless a sign indicates otherwise, drivers in Massachusetts are allowed to turn on red right after stopping completely and ensuring it is safe to proceed.

Move Over Law

Drivers must move to the next lane when an emergency automobile with flashing lights is stopped on the roadside.

Massachusetts Weird Traffic Laws

While some traffic laws in Massachusetts are quite standard, there are a few quirky or less-known regulations that may seem peculiar. They include:

Traveling on a roadway with a horse-drawn sleigh or sled is prohibited in Massachusetts. It is only allowed if there are at least three bells on the horse’s harness.
In Massachusetts, it is illegal to transport a wild animal in the back of a vehicle unless it is properly restrained.
Invasion of privacy by looking inside a vehicle is forbidden in Milford, MA.
Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the bed of a pickup truck while it is in motion in Massachusetts.
Televisions in cars must be placed so that the driver cannot see them in Massachusetts.

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