Asheville Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

Car accidents are a hazard to operating a vehicle on public roadways. They happen every day in every city and every state in the country. The most important thing we can do as responsible drivers is do whatever we can to avoid adding to the chaos. There have been over 230 pedestrians hit by a car within the Asheville city limits since 2020, and that’s not counting the accidents involving other drivers. The Asheville car accident statistics reflect a city with dangerous roads.

Car Accident Statistics in Asheville

According to information gathered by City Data, there were 13 fatal car accidents in Asheville in 2021. 6 of those 13 involved pedestrians. A 2020 report by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles details over 247,000 car accidents that occurred in the state of North Carolina that year, with over 1,600 fatalities.

17.9% of those car accidents involved distracted driving, while alcohol was a contributing factor in well over 11,400 of them. If you have been involved in a car accident, you may want to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in Asheville.

Asheville is a gorgeous city with a welcoming populace, but the city has some of the most dangerous stretches of road in the entire state of North Carolina. It is paramount to avoid distractions at all costs and practice defensive driving whenever you are behind the wheel.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Asheville

Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons, from random acts of God to negligent drivers failing to obey basic traffic laws. It’s no different in Asheville, where accidents happen every day due to various reasons. Here are some of the more common causes of car accidents in Asheville:

• Speeding: Speeding is one of the more frequent causes of car accidents nationwide. It is not uncommon to see other drivers speeding past you, even if you are already going the speed limit. Regardless of the driver’s reason, traveling at excessive speeds is dangerous. Excessive speeding can and does cause serious accidents all the time. Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and opens everyone around you up to a potential crash. Speed limits exist for a reason.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving ranks among the most dangerous activities you can do behind the wheel. It causes more car accidents than any other situation, largely because they happen due to your attention being diverted away from the road ahead of you. Any behavior that takes your focus away from the road is considered distracted driving. That includes playing with the radio, talking to other passengers, talking on your phone, texting, eating and drinking, zoning out, and engaging in road rage.
• DUIs: Driving while under the influence (DUI) is illegal in every state in the country. Alcohol and drugs lower your inhibitions and significantly impair your ability to react to road conditions. You became a terrible danger to everybody around you. If you are pulled over and charged with a DUI, you can face irreparable legal consequences, such as jail time, hefty fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
• Fatigued Driving: Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Your inhibitions are down, and your reaction time is not at its usual speed. Falling asleep at the wheel essentially turns your vehicle into a weapon, and there’s no telling what or who you could hit with it. You could cause a property damage or even a fatal accident. If you feel tired, pull over and get some rest. Don’t keep driving.

FAQs

Q: How Many Car Accidents Occur Per Day in North Carolina?

A: According to a 2021 report by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), there were roughly 750 car accidents per day in North Carolina. Roughly 4 of those daily accidents resulted in fatalities. The numbers were considerably greater on certain holidays, as more people are often out and about on those days. Thanksgiving Day saw nearly 3,000 crashes, while Christmas saw over 2,700. It is important to always stay vigilant when you are behind the wheel.

Q: Which State Has the Most Car Accident Deaths?

A: According to a study from The Zebra, the state that has the most car accident deaths is Mississippi, which has a current death rate of 22.2 deaths per 100,000 people. Mississippi drivers also admitted to spending about 8% of their driving time on their phones, and the state ranks among the lowest in the country in terms of seat belt usage. There are ways to prevent future deaths that the state’s citizens can start implementing into their daily lives.

Q: What is the Car Accident Rate in North Carolina?

A: According to a 2021 report by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the car accident rate in North Carolina continues to sit at around 270,000 accidents per year. This number has resulted in well over 114,000 injuries and nearly 1,800 deaths. These accidents are caused by distracted driving, speeding, moving violations, and many other factors that continue to cause great harm to the people of North Carolina every day.

Q: Is North Carolina an At-Fault State for Auto Accidents?

A: North Carolina is an “at-fault state” when it comes to car accidents. That essentially means that the insurance company of the person who is found to be liable for the accident is responsible for compensating the injured party for any losses and/or damages that they incurred as a result of said negligent behavior. That includes lost wages, medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and any other expenses deemed necessary by the jury.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Being involved in a car accident can be an irritation, a catastrophe, or something in between. Regardless of how it happened, if it does happen to you, it is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. The legal team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can help you build your case and provide you with solid legal counsel throughout the entire process. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.