Rhode Island has seen many lives lost on our roadways throughout the years. After an alarming spike in 2023 traffic fatalities, the Ocean State has made progress towards safer streets for all. However, even one preventable death is a reminder that there’s more work to be done.
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Attorneys at Law, our experienced Rhode Island car accident lawyers know the toll a sudden crash can take on victims and their loved ones. Behind every statistic are real people who have had their lives turned upside down by a devastating car accident.
While we welcome positive trends in roadway safety, we remain committed to fighting for crash survivors and families who have lost loved ones. Here's a closer look at Rhode Island's latest car accident statistics, how they compare to regional and national numbers, and what it means for road users across the state.
Rhode Island Traffic Fatalities by Year
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) reports traffic data to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Security Council (NSC) regarding car crashes and traffic fatalities. Preliminary data shows Rhode Island motor vehicle crashes resulted in:
- 52 fatalities in 2024
- 70 fatalities in 2023
- 52 fatalities in 2022
The 2023 spike in traffic deaths marks the highest number of annual crash fatalities in Rhode Island since 2017 when 84 people died in traffic accidents. It's a troubling reversal of the general downward trend in roadway deaths over the past decade. The data shows the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to keep Rhode Islanders safe on the road.
Fortunately, the 26% drop in traffic deaths from 2023 to 2024 marks a return to the lower fatality levels seen in 2022. In contrast, national estimates suggest U.S. roadway deaths remained relatively flat in 2024, declining just 1% from 2023's near-record highs.
It appears that efforts to reduce risky driving behaviors and improve crash survivability are making a difference, thanks to the state's robust seat belt use rates, graduated licensing programs for teen drivers, and infrastructure improvements.
Key Factors in Rhode Island Car Accident Statistics
A closer look at the data reveals patterns in traffic fatalities:
- Summer spike in deadly wrecks: Many fatal accidents occur during peak travel months, suggesting that increased summer traffic may contribute to higher fatality rates. Congested roads, inexperienced drivers, and a higher number of pedestrians and cyclists may all play a role.
- Vulnerable road users at risk: Several fatal crashes involved motorcycles and pedestrians. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, these road users are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries when accidents occur.
While not every crash is preventable, recognizing these patterns can help drivers stay alert to risks and adjust their behavior accordingly. We can all do our part to keep Rhode Island's streets safer by exercising extra caution during summer months and around vulnerable road users.
Distracted Driving Continues to Cause Crashes
Distracted driving remains a significant safety issue in Rhode Island and nationwide. In 2022, distraction-related accidents claimed 3,308 lives nationwide, according to NHTSA data.
Common driving distractions include:
- Cellphone use: Talking, texting, checking GPS directions, or scrolling social media
- Eating and drinking: Trying to grab a quick meal or sip coffee while navigating traffic
- Personal grooming: Applying makeup, shaving, or brushing hair while behind the wheel
- Adjusting controls: Fiddling with audio, climate, or navigation settings rather than focusing on the road
Impairment Causes Many Rhode Island Accidents
Despite public awareness campaigns and strict laws, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs continues to cause devastating crashes in Rhode Island. NHTSA data shows:
- Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased: DUI deaths rose 5% in Rhode Island even as the national rate declined
- Drug involvement surged in fatal crashes: The presence of cannabis, opioids, and other drugs was detected in 51% of traffic fatalities where a toxicology test occurred.
- Rhode Island is above the national average for impaired driving deaths: Over 43 percent of traffic fatalities were related to alcohol-impaired driving, while the national average is around 32 percent.
These statistics show the continued need for education, prevention, and enforcement to keep impaired drivers off Rhode Island roads.
Seeking Legal Help After a Rhode Island Car Accident
Despite the overall reduction in traffic fatalities, hundreds of Rhode Island families still experience serious crashes each year. Even the most careful driver can't control the behavior of others on the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a reckless, distracted, or impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. The experienced Rhode Island car accident lawyers at Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Attorneys at Law can help you understand your legal rights and options. We have the knowledge and resources to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
