Statistics on Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents in Massachusetts?
Failure to yield by car drivers, especially during left-hand turns, tops the list, causing nearly 40–50% of multi-vehicle crashes. This aligns with the 1,800–2,000 annual incidents, particularly in busy Norfolk and Bristol counties.
Are Motorcycle Accidents More Deadly in Massachusetts Than Elsewhere?
Yes, somewhat—80% of crashes here result in serious injury or death, higher than the national average (around 60–70%), due to dense traffic and rural road risks. The 450 deaths over 10 years reflect this elevated severity.
How Does Weather Affect Motorcycle Crashes in Massachusetts?
Rain and snow significantly increase crash risk by reducing traction, contributing to the 66% of fatalities on rural roads like those in Plymouth County. Wet weather likely factored into dozens of the 160–180 county deaths since 2015.
Can I Sue If a Pothole Caused My Accident?
Yes, if poor road maintenance caused the crash, you might sue the responsible municipality (e.g., in Plymouth or Bristol counties). You’d need to prove negligence and file within three years, though such cases are tough to win.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Make Accidents More Common?
No, it doesn’t cause crashes, but Massachusetts’ mandatory helmet law (90% compliance) reduces fatality severity. Non-compliance, rare here, might worsen outcomes, as seen in some of the 24 young rider deaths in 2018.
Why Are Intersections So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Intersections combine high traffic, turning vehicles, and visibility issues—41% of serious injuries occur there. In Brockton (Plymouth County) or Quincy (Norfolk County), these factors likely drove many of the decade’s 60–120 fatalities.
Traffic accidents pose a significant public health issue in Massachsetts and car crashes rank among the leading causes of severe injuries and death.
According to
MassDOT in 2022 there were 409 fatal accidents in Massachusetts, 328 fatalities in 2023, and 357 fatalities in 2024. Serious injuries from car accidents remain high, seeing a small decline from ~2,500 to ~2,300 over the 3 years.
| Crash Type | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Injury | 409 | 328 | 357 |
| Serious Injury | 2,522 | 2,417 | 2,323 |
| Minor Injury | 17,401 | 18,613 | 18,815 |
| Possible Injury | 10,543 | 9,727 | 9,504 |
| No Injury | 75,170 | 96,060 | 96,481 |
| Other | 7,114 | 8,049 | 6,154 |
Various factors contribute to the outcomes of Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents, including the age and gender of drivers and passenger, speed, distracted driving, and so on. Most of these accidents involve male drivers aged 25 to 34, followed by those aged 35 to 44. However, there is a notable number of crashes where the driver's age is unknown.
Fatal accidents by gender
Serious injuries by gender
Deadly crashes by age
Serious injury by age
In 2022, a notable shift occurred as one in four victims of roadway violence were pedestrians or bicycle users, a significantly higher proportion than in previous years, when victims were more likely to be drivers or passengers in motor vehicles. In 2023, 22% of fatalities were pedestrians or bicycle users.
Fatal car crashes by type
Serious injury by type
In Massachusetts, motorists are required to use safety restraints, as they have been shown to greatly reduce accident severity. Wearing a seat belt and properly buckling children into booster seats suitable for their age and weight can lower the risk of severe injury or death by 50%. Massachusetts seat belt laws are mandatory, applying to drivers and passengers over 13 years old. Child restraint laws also require children aged seven years old and younger to be secured in a car or booster seat.
It is against the law to drive in the state of Massachusetts with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) at or above 0.08%. Despite numerous federal and state programs aimed at reducing the impaired driving rate, millions of alcohol-impaired drivers continue to operate vehicles. In Massachusetts, 2.5% of drivers report driving after consuming too much alcohol. This is notably higher than the national average of 1.7% of drivers who report driving after drinking.
Many motor vehicle collisions and injuries are preventable, and it is crucial for injury victims to consult with an attorney to discuss their rights and potential remedies after any accident.
Let us show you what our knowledge, experience, and skills of personal injury lawyers can do for you or your loved one. Your vehicle accident case will always be our top priority.