UPDATED: AUGUST 08, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, changing lives forever. Every year, thousands of accidents occur on roads around the world, causing injuries, fatalities, and untold emotional trauma. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the places where accidents are more prevalent, so you can approach the roads with caution and make informed decisions about your safety. Here are the cities with the most car accidents in 2023.
What cities have the most car accidents?
While car accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, the cities on our list seem to have more accidents than other places. Some of the things considered when creating the list include hard breaking events, population density, and annual precipitation. Here are the top 30 U.S. cities where you’re most likely to get into a car accident.
1. Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore, Maryland, metro area is home to more than 2 million people, so it’s not surprising that the area is prone to heavy traffic. This, combined with the city’s intricate network of highways and urban streets adding to the complexity of driving, results in approximately 49 hard breaking events per 1,000 miles driven and lots of collisions. In fact, the average Baltimore driver gets into a car accident about once every 4 years.
2. Washington D.C.
As the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is not immune to the challenges of road safety. With a population exceeding 5 million, the city faces its share of car accidents. Contributing factors to the high accident rate in D.C. include the bustling traffic, rush hour congestion, and the presence of government buildings that attract a constant flow of commuters.
Despite ongoing initiatives to improve road safety, including strict traffic regulations and public awareness campaigns, the city continues to grapple with the complexities of keeping accidents at bay. Like Balitmore, Washington D.C. drivers avarege a collision once every 4 years. However, the city sees slightly less hard breaking events.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Situated in the heart of New England, Boston is a vibrant city with a population of over 4 million. The city experiences a notable accident rate, which can be attributed to various factors such as heavy traffic volume, narrow streets, and the prevalence of inclement weather conditions.
Local authorities and organizations in Boston have been proactive in enhancing road safety through initiatives like traffic calming measures, public education campaigns, and infrastructure improvements. However, drivers still average one accident for every 5 years they drive.
4. Worcester, Massachusetts
Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Worcester is the second-largest city in Massachusetts. With a significant population and diverse road network, the city faces its fair share of car accidents.
Contributing factors to the accident rate in Worcester include factors such as reckless driving, distracted driving, and challenging intersections. To combat these issues, Worcester has implemented measures like increased traffic enforcement, road signage improvements, and public awareness campaigns to promote safer driving habits and reduce accidents.
5. Glendale, California
Nestled in Southern California, Glendale boasts a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Residents here are 99% more likely to get into a car accident than they are in others areas of the United States. Contributing factors here include heavy traffic, challenging road layouts, and driver distractions. The city also has a high population density and pretty regular precipitation.
6. Los Angeles, California
Located on the West Coast, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis renowned for its traffic congestion and diverse population. The city experiences a high car accident rate due to factors like heavy traffic flow, complex road networks, and driver behavior.
In an effort to address road safety, Los Angeles has implemented ongoing campaigns and programs, including increased traffic enforcement, the promotion of safe driving habits, and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing accidents and creating a safer environment for its residents and visitors.
7. Springfield, Massachusetts
Situated in Western Massachusetts, Springfield is a vibrant city with a focus on community safety. Despite ongoing efforts, the city continues to face challenges regarding car accidents, with factors like driver negligence and challenging road conditions contributing to the accident rate. On average, Springfield drivers get into an accident once every 5 1/2 years.
8. Providence, Rhode Island
With a population that exceeds 1 million, Providence, Rhode Island, faces its share of car accidents. Area drivers average one car accident every 6 years, mostly attributed to the city’s high population density and above-average annual precipitation rate.
9. Alexandria, Virginia
Known for its historic charm and proximity to Washington D.C., the Alexandria, Virginia, metro area has a population of over 5 million people. So it’s not surprising that the city sees a higher-than-average car accident rate.
Contributing factors include heavy commuter traffic, complex intersections, and driver behaviors such as distracted driving. On average, there are about 27 hard breaking incidents per 1,000 miles driven in Alexandria and drivers average one car wreck every 6 1/2 years.
10. Oakland, California
Nestled in the Bay Area, Oakland is a city with a large, diverse population and a lot of drivers comes with a high number of car accidents. Contributing factors include factors such as heavy traffic volume, challenging road layouts, and the presence of intersections prone to collisions. Unique factors that contribute to the accident rate in Oakland include its hilly terrain and the mix of urban and suburban driving conditions.
11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
With a population of almost 6 million, Philadelphia faces significant challenges regarding road safety. Contributing factors to the city’s accident rate include heavy traffic flow, driver negligence, and aging road infrastructure. On average, Philly drivers have one car accident every 6 1/2 years. However, the average hard breaking incidents in the area are significantly less than other cities at an average of 48 per 1,000 miles driven.
12. San Francisco, California
Situated in Northern California, San Francisco is renowned for its iconic landmarks and challenging driving conditions. The city experiences a significant number of car accidents, with factors such as traffic congestion, narrow streets, and the presence of steep hills contributing to the accident rate. Notable initiatives in San Francisco include efforts to improve pedestrian safety, implement traffic signal optimization, and enhance bicycle infrastructure to reduce accidents and create a safer transportation environment.
13. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
While it might be known for its vibrant culture and Southern charm, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, faces some challenges regarding road safety. The area averages 26 hard breaking incidents per 1,000 miles driven, and drivers average one accident every 7 years. The city has a high annual percipitation rate that contributes to the amount of accidents in the area.
14. Pasadena, California
Pasadena’s population, slightly over 140,000, is significantly smaller than other cities on this list. But even though it’s a smaller area, the risk for car accidents is still prevelant. In fact, drivers in the area are 54% more likely to get into an accident compared to the national average.
15. Hayward, California
Nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hayward sees a lot of the same driving conditions as SF – challenging intersections, steep hills, and heavy traffic. The risk for car accidents here is about the same as it is in Pasadena, with drivers averaging one car accident every 7 years and the accident risk at 54% above the national average.
16. Garden Grove, California
Situated in Orange County, Garden Grove experiences a notable accident rate. Contributing factors include heavy commuter traffic, high population density, and intersections prone to collisions. Ongoing campaigns and programs related to road safety in Garden Grove include initiatives such as traffic signal optimization, community traffic safety workshops, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and promoting safe driving habits.
17. Fullerton, California
With a prime location in Southern California, Fullerton faces a lot of the same road safety challenges as major cities in the area – heavy traffic volume, driver negligence, and the presence of major highways. Specific measures and policies implemented in Fullerton to reduce accidents include increased police patrols, traffic enforcement initiatives, and public education programs to enhance awareness about safe driving practices and minimize accidents on the roads.
18. Bridgeport, Connecticut
With a population of over 940,000, the Bridgeport, Connecticut, area sees a heavy traffic flow, driver distractions, and challenging road conditions. Drivers average about one accident every 7 years, and the area sees about 35 hard breaking incidents per 1,000 miles driven.
19. Sunrise Manor, Nevada
Situated in Clark County, Sunrise Manor’s proximity to Las Vegas, Nevada, means it tends to have a lot of heavy traffic, so car accidents are fairly common. Area drivers average one accident every 7 years, and they have a risk of being involved in an accident that’s 52% higher than the national average.
20. Portland, Oregon
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant culture and sustainable living. However, the city also faces challenges regarding road safety. Factors contributing to the accident rate include heavy rainfall, driver distractions, and the presence of major highways. Unique factors that make Portland prone to accidents include its bike-friendly infrastructure and the coexistence of various transportation modes.
21. Irving, Texas
Situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Irving experiences its share of car accidents. Contributing factors include heavy traffic congestion, driver behavior, and road infrastructure limitations. Local efforts to enhance road safety in Irving, Texas, include initiatives such as increased police presence, traffic enforcement campaigns, and infrastructure improvements to reduce accidents and ensure the well-being of its residents.
22. Torrance, California
Located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, Torrance faces challenges in terms of road safety. Factors contributing to the accident rate include heavy traffic flow, driver negligence, and the presence of major intersections.
Notable initiatives in Torrance include efforts to improve pedestrian safety, implement traffic calming measures, and enhance public awareness of road safety to reduce wrecks and accident claims and create a safer transportation environment for residents and visitors.
23. Atlanta, Georgia
As the vibrant capital of Georgia, Atlanta boasts a unique blend of rich history and modernity. However, the city also faces challenges when it comes to road safety.
Factors contributing to the car accident rate in Atlanta include heavy traffic congestion, driver distractions, and challenging interchanges. Drivers here have an elevated risk of being in a car accident, with a average that’s 49% higher than the U.S. average.
24. New Orleans, Louisiana
With its distinct culture and vibrant atmosphere, New Orleans attracts residents and visitors alike. However, the city faces challenges regarding road safety. Contributing factors to the car accident rate in New Orleans include factors such as high traffic volume, driver negligence, and road conditions affected by severe weather.
Initiatives and policies aimed at reducing car accidents in New Orleans include increased traffic enforcement, road infrastructure improvements, and educational programs promoting responsible driving and awareness of road safety.
25. Anaheim, California
Situated in Orange County, Anaheim is a city known for its iconic attractions. However, it also faces road safety challenges. Factors contributing to the car accident rate in Anaheim include heavy traffic flow, driver distractions, and the presence of major thoroughfares.
Moderate precipitation and a larger population density play a role in the number of accidents in Anaheim. Drivers average one accidents every 7 1/2 years.
26. Garland, Texas
Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Garland experiences its share of car accidents. Contributing factors include heavy traffic congestion, driver behavior, and road infrastructure limitations.
Ongoing campaigns and programs related to road safety in Garland include initiatives such as increased police patrols, traffic enforcement efforts, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and promoting safe driving habits.
27. Santa Ana, California
Nestled in Orange County, Santa Ana faces its own challenges when it comes to road safety. Factors contributing to the car accident rate include heavy traffic volume, driver negligence, and challenging intersections. On average, drivers are involved in one car accident every 7 1/2 years.
Specific measures and policies implemented in Santa Ana to reduce accidents include increased police presence, traffic enforcement initiatives, and public education programs aimed at enhancing awareness of safe driving practices and minimizing accidents on the roads.
28. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati’s winding roads and large hills play a large role in the amount of accidents in the area. When you add in heavy traffic during rush hour, the city can be pretty difficult to navigate.
On average, Cincinnati, Ohio, residents are involved in one accident every 7 1/2 years. The good news is, the city does actively try to improve road conditions and has recently fixed several area bridges.
29. Dallas, Texas
As one of the largest cities in Texas, Dallas experiences a significant number of car accidents. Factors contributing to the accident rate include heavy traffic flow, driver behavior, and the presence of major highways.
Specific measures and policies implemented in Dallas to reduce accidents include increased police patrols, traffic enforcement initiatives, and infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing road safety and creating a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
30. Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, with a population of over 460,000, is a bustling coastal city known for its vibrant atmosphere. However, the city also faces challenges regarding road safety. Factors contributing to the car accident rate in Long Beach include heavy traffic volume, driver negligence, and the presence of major roadways. Notable causes of accidents in the city include distracted driving, speeding, and intersection collisions.
Drivers in Long Beach average one accident every 7 1/2 years, and are 45% more likely to be involved in an accident than the national average.
Top 10 roads where car accidents happen
While cities can be dangerous to navigate on the whole, there are several specific roads that see a lot of wrecks. The top 10 dangerous roads in the cities listed include:
- Interstate 695 in Baltimore
- Interstate 295 in Washington D.C.
- Interstate 93 in Boston
- Main Street in Worcester
- State Route 134 in Glendale
- Interstate 405 in Los Angeles
- Interstate 91 in Springfield
- Interstate 95 in Providence
- Richmond Highway in Alexandria
- Interstate 880 in Oakland
FAQs
Which U.S. city has most car accidents?
With drivers averaging one accident every four years, Baltimore, Maryland is the city with the most car accidents. Washington D.C. and Boston, Massachusetts take second and third places, respectively.
What state has the most car accidents per person?
California, Florida, and Texas top the list of states with the most car accidents. In fact, these three states have more fatal car accidents than any other state in the United States.
What U.S. state has the least car accidents?
Even though, Boston, Springfield, and Worcester have more accidents than the national average, Massachusetts is still one of the safest states to drive in according to Credit Karma. South Carolina is the most dangerous.
What states have the safest roads?
Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York tend to have safer roads than other states. These areas are small, with above-average populations so the states have had to work hard on managing a lot of traffic.
What state has the best drivers?
While Michigan is the state that sees the least amount of accidents, Connecticut drivers are considered the best nationwide. This is based on overall driving records, as well as accidents.
Protect yourself from car accidents
Car accidents pose a significant concern in any city. So its important to make sure you’re covered at all times. Use our online quote tool to get several car insurance quotes in seconds so you can be sure you have the best coverage for the best price.
Sources:
- Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths—A Global Problem (CDC)
- The Best and Worst Drivers By State 2022 (Aftermarket Matters)
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