Massachusetts Traffic Deaths Increased in 2024

Traffic deaths Nationwide are falling. between 2022 and 2024, the rate of traffic fatalities in the United States dropped by 7.9%. That continued a downward trend that started in 2023 after a peak number of traffic fatalities – 42,721– in 2022.

Unfortunately, the news isn’t as good for Massachusetts residents. Massachusetts saw a big drop in traffic fatalities from 2022 to 2023. However, preliminary data for 2024 shows that trend has reversed. Massachusetts traffic deaths increased by more than 7% from 2023 to 2024. While the state isn’t alone in seeing an increase, it is in the minority. 35 states saw a decline in traffic fatalities from 2023 to 2024.

Why Are Road Fatalities Climbing in Massachusetts? 

We don’t have a full picture of the causes behind the jump in traffic deaths from 2023 to 2024. However, there is one clear disturbing trend. Traffic fatalities involving drugs or alcohol jumped by more than 25%. These incidents accounted for 33% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in the state.

Slightly older statistics showed that motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in Massachusetts were more likely to be legally intoxicated than the national average.

According to the most recent data shared by Safehome.org, more than 7,500 people in Massachusetts are arrested for driving under the influence each year. That’s about one in every 1,000 Massachusetts residents or 1.5 for every 1,000 licensed drivers in the state. 

Other factors that may be contributing include an increase in risky behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving and increased traffic.

Who is Getting Killed on Massachusetts Roads? 

In 2024, just over 44% of those killed in motor vehicle accidents were drivers of cars, trucks and other automobiles. The remainder were: 

• Pedestrians (21.1%)
• Motorcyclists (19.2%)
• Passengers (10.3%)
• Bicyclists (2.7%) 
• Person on a personal conveyance, such as a scooter or wheelchair (2.1%)

Traffic Fatality Demographics

As in prior years, 2024 traffic fatalities were heavily weighted toward males. They were also concentrated among those aged 25-44, followed by older groups. Young adults, who are considered higher risk drivers, made up just 10% of fatalities. 

However, these numbers don’t necessarily say anything about the risk to or presented by any of these groups. On average, men drive significantly more miles per year than women, and drivers between the ages of 20 and 54 rack up more miles than older or younger drivers. The more time a person spends on the road, the more opportunity there is to be involved in a collision–even a collision caused entirely by another driver or other circumstances beyond the driver’s control.

Driving Under the Influence is Negligent

The statistics above relate only to fatal accidents, but drugs and alcohol play an even bigger role in Massachusetts traffic accidents than those statistics suggest. Different data suggests that between 25% and 35% of all drivers hospitalized after a motor vehicle accident are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both. Drivers who are under the influence don’t just present a risk to others–they’re also reportedly 35% more likely than other drivers hospitalized after a crash to suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury. 

Pursuing Fair Compensation after a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you were injured or have lost a loved one because another driver was drunk, drugged, or otherwise negligent, you may be entitled to compensation. If you believe you may have a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a motor vehicle accident, your best next step is to consult an experienced local injury lawyer.

Attorney Kevin P. Broderick fights for accident victims in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He offers free consultations to help injured people and surviving family members make good decisions about how to move forward. 

Schedule yours right now to learn more about:

• Your rights after a car accident
• What types of compensation you may be entitled to
• What to expect from the process of pursuing your claim
• What your attorney will need from you to build the strongest possible case on your behalf
• How the Broderick Law Firm can help you

Call us today at 978-459-3085 or fill out our contact form.