North Carolina traffic deaths drop 12% in 2025, DMV report finds

CHARLOTTE — Traffic deaths in North Carolina fell 12% in 2025, while the rate of crash injuries reached its lowest level since records began in 1960, according to a new report from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

The state recorded 1,524 traffic fatalities last year, the fewest since 2019. The number of people injured in crashes also declined nearly 6%, to 107,076.

Despite the improvements, speeding and alcohol remained major factors in fatal crashes, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Alcohol was involved in nearly one-quarter of highway deaths, while speeding contributed to 22% of traffic fatalities, according to the DMV’s annual Crash Facts report.

Seat belt use also remained a concern. Although more than 90% of people wear seat belts, 44% of those killed in crashes were not wearing one.

The report estimates that drivers traveled a record 132 billion miles on North Carolina roads in 2025. The rate of crash injuries fell to 38.3 people hurt for every 100 crashes, the lowest level since records began in 1960.

Deaths among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists also declined last year. Pedestrian deaths fell nearly 7%, to 262, while cyclist deaths dropped 17.5%, to 33. Motorcyclist deaths declined 15%, to 164.

Mecklenburg County recorded 33 pedestrian deaths, the highest total in the state. Wake County had the second-highest number, with 21.

Teen drivers were involved in fewer crashes last year, but speeding and alcohol remained concerns. Of the crashes that killed 106 teens in 2025, speeding was a factor in nearly 40%, while nearly 23% were alcohol-related, even though teens cannot legally drink.

Joe Stewart, executive director of the N.C. Alliance for Safe Transportation, said the findings reinforce the importance of safe driving habits.

“We know how to avoid most crashes,” Stewart said in a written statement. “Slow down. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t look at your phone. Focus.”

The nonprofit promotes safe driving through its Teen Ambassador program, which recruits high school and college students to advocate for safer roads.

The DMV compiles its annual Crash Facts report using law enforcement crash reports to examine crash trends and the circumstances surrounding collisions across North Carolina.

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