Home › Statistics › North Carolina Car Accident Statistics 2026: Latest Crash Data

North Carolina Car Accident Statistics 2026: Latest Crash Data

By AutoInsuranceBundle.pro · Published November 7, 2026 · Reviewed November 7, 2026

Short answer: North Carolina recorded 1,524 traffic deaths in 2025, or 1.15 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, according to the NC Division of Motor Vehicles' 2025 Traffic Crash Facts report (2025 crash data received before August 2026). That is down 12.0% from 1,732 in 2024 and well below the 1,784 deaths in the still-cited 2022 report. It is the fewest since 2019.

⬇ Download the free PDF (North Carolina crash statistics) PDF with 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 NCDMV Crash Facts figures, methodology and how to cite

Old 2022 report vs the latest NC Crash Facts (2025)

Sources: NCDMV North Carolina Traffic Crash Facts 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Alcohol, speed, distraction and seat belt rows use the five-year table in the 2025 report, so all years follow the same definitions. The per-100,000 figures are as printed in each year's report. Get this table as a free PDF.

The 2022 report is still quoted because 1,784 deaths was the recent record. That number was right for 2022. Since then, the state has published three newer reports, and the 2025 total is 260 deaths lower.

Key North Carolina crash statistics (2025)

• 1,524 people died in North Carolina traffic crashes in 2025, down 12.0% from 1,732 in 2024. It is the lowest total since 2019, when 1,470 people died.
• The mileage death rate fell to 1.15 per 100 million vehicle miles, from 1.36 in 2024 and 1.50 in 2022. Drivers covered about 132.0 billion miles, 3.9% more than in 2024.
• There were 279,270 reportable crashes (down 1.9%) and 1,419 fatal crashes (down 12.5%).
• 107,076 people were injured, down 5.7%. The mileage injury rate fell to 81.13 per 100 million miles, from 89.42.
• 359 deaths were alcohol-related, nearly flat from 361. Because total deaths fell faster, alcohol's share rose to 23.6% of all deaths.
• 335 deaths were speed-related (22.0%), down from 370.
• 262 pedestrians, 164 motorcyclists and 33 pedalcyclists were killed, all lower than in 2024.
• Of people killed in vehicle types with seat belts, 44% were unbelted (451 of 1,035).

Federal figures for North Carolina

Federal numbers are lower because they count deaths differently. NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) counts deaths within 30 days of a crash. NCDMV defines a fatal crash as one where someone dies within 12 months.

• FARS 2024 annual report file: 1,619 North Carolina deaths, 14.7 per 100,000 people and 1.24 per 100 million miles (IIHS Fatality Facts 2024).
• NHTSA early estimate for 2025: 1,410 deaths, down 12.9%, at an estimated 1.12 per 100 million miles (DOT HS 813 800). This is a projection, not a final count.

Both sources show about the same drop from 2024 to 2025: 12.0% in the state data and 12.9% in NHTSA's estimate. If you cite a number, name the source and the year, and don't mix state and federal totals in one trend line.

How to use these numbers correctly

Use the source that matches your question. For the official North Carolina total, cite NCDMV's Crash Facts and the year: "1,524 deaths in 2025 (NCDMV)." For a state-to-state comparison, use the federal FARS figures, because every state is counted the same way there. For 2025, the only federal number is NHTSA's early estimate, so label it as an estimate.

Crash Facts is compiled from law enforcement crash reports (form DMV-349) sent to the DMV's statewide database. Mileage comes from the state's estimate based on gasoline tax revenue. Each annual report repeats the previous five years next to the new one; we checked the older columns against the 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions, and they match.

Two numbers in the 2025 report need care. Its summary bullets say 163 motorcyclists were killed, while its comparison table shows 164; we use the table. The child seat belt percentages are based on small counts, so they can swing a lot from year to year.

What it means for North Carolina drivers and insurance

Fewer deaths is real progress, but North Carolina still averaged more than 760 reportable crashes a day in 2025 (279,270 / 365, our calculation). Most of those crashes become insurance claims, and three things in North Carolina make them harder than in many states.

Higher minimum limits. For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, NCDMV lists minimum liability of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, plus $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). Before that the minimum was 30/60/25. A serious crash can still cost more than the minimum, so check your limits at renewal. Our North Carolina minimum coverage calculator shows what the minimum does and does not pay.

Contributory negligence. North Carolina is one of the few places where being even slightly at fault can bar an injury claim against the other driver. Read our guide to North Carolina contributory negligence claims before you give a recorded statement.

Cost. The NAIC 2024 Average Premium Supplement puts North Carolina's average auto insurance expenditure at $1,038.44 per insured vehicle in 2024, below the U.S. average of $1,431.63 but up from $930.78 in 2023 (+11.6%, our calculation). Rates follow claim costs. If your renewal went up, compare a few quotes with the same limits.

Also see is the state minimum enough? and car accident deadlines by state.

For every state, see the car accident statistics by state table and the US Car Accident Statistics 2026 PDF.

FAQ

How many people died in car accidents in North Carolina in 2025?

1,524, according to NCDMV's North Carolina 2025 Traffic Crash Facts report. NHTSA's early estimate, which counts deaths within 30 days, is 1,410.

How many people died in North Carolina crashes in 2024?

NCDMV counted 1,732 for 2024. The FARS 2024 annual report file counts 1,619, because FARS only includes deaths within 30 days of the crash.

Is the 2022 North Carolina Crash Facts report still accurate?

It is accurate for 2022 (1,784 deaths, 1.50 per 100 million miles), but it is three reports old. For current figures, use the 2025 report: 1,524 deaths and a rate of 1.15.

Why do some sites still say 1,784 people died on NC roads?

They are quoting the 2022 report, the recent peak. Others still show 1,732 from 2024 as the latest year. NCDMV's 2025 report was released in October 2026, so many pages have not caught up yet.

How many North Carolina traffic deaths involved alcohol?

The 2025 report lists 359 alcohol-related deaths, 23.6% of all traffic deaths, compared with 361 in 2024 and 448 in 2022.

How many pedestrians and motorcyclists were killed in North Carolina?

In 2025, 262 pedestrians and 164 motorcyclists were killed, down from 281 and 193 in 2024. Pedalcyclist deaths fell from 40 to 33.

What is North Carolina's minimum car insurance?

For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, NCDMV lists 50/100/50: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage.

Where can I download these North Carolina numbers?

Download our North Carolina crash statistics PDF, or the US Car Accident Statistics 2026 PDF report for every state.

For another perspective, see a student blog post on seat belt and crash statistics, a useful reminder now that 44% of people killed in North Carolina crashes in 2025 were unbelted.

Important: This article is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice, and coverage rules vary by state, insurer, and policy. AutoInsuranceBundle.pro is a free, independent insurance comparison and referral service. We are not an insurance company, we do not issue policies, and we do not provide insurance advice. Calls to the number on this site are routed to licensed insurance agents or agencies in our partner network, who may receive compensation. Calling is completely voluntary and there is no obligation to buy. Rates, discounts, and availability vary by carrier, state, and individual eligibility; not all carriers, products, or discounts are available in all states. Calls may be recorded for quality and compliance purposes.