Boston-Area Car Accident Statistics and Safety Trends (2025 Update)

Car accidents are an unfortunate daily reality in Massachusetts, especially in Boston and its surrounding communities. Kiley Law Group, based in Andover, MA and serving areas from Boston up through southern New Hampshire, has witnessed first-hand how these crashes impact local families. By examining recent data and long-term trends, we can better understand when and why accidents happen – and how drivers can stay safer on the road. Below, we delve into the latest crash statistics, common causes of accidents, high-risk times and locations, and what they mean for drivers in the Boston area.

Boston Car Accident Statistics: Recent Data and Trends

Boston sees thousands of traffic crashes every year. According to MassDOT data, there were 3,758 total vehicle crashes in the city of Boston in 2022, of which 527 involved minor injuries, 30 involved serious injuries, and 24 were fatal. In 2023, crashes in Boston increased to 4,498, with 729 minor-injury crashes, 68 serious-injury crashes, and 16 fatal crashes. This nearly 20% rise in total crashes from 2022 to 2023 is concerning, although it’s notable that fatal crashes actually declined (from 24 down to 16). Boston’s numbers align with a longer-term average of around 4,300 collisions per year (about 12 crashes per day) in the city.

Zooming out to the statewide level, Massachusetts recorded over 105,000 motor vehicle crashes in 2023, with roughly 297 of those resulting in fatalities. Boston’s ~4,500 crashes make up a significant share of the state’s total, but major incidents happen in communities across the Commonwealth. Nearby cities and suburbs around Boston – from Cambridge and Somerville to Lowell, Lawrence, and down the South Shore – all experience numerous accidents annually, especially in high-traffic corridors. Southern New Hampshire has seen similar trends; in 2024 there were 134 roadway fatalities in New Hampshire, a 5% increase from the prior year. Authorities noted that the same dangerous behaviors prevalent in Massachusetts – speeding, distraction, and impaired driving – were leading causes of New Hampshire’s fatal crashes, as well. All of this underscores that the Greater Boston region and its bordering states face ongoing road safety challenges.

Despite Boston’s Vision Zero commitment (the city’s goal to eliminate traffic deaths), serious crashes remain a problem. Boston has averaged about 1,900 crashes involving serious injury or death each year since 2015, and although there was an overall downward trend, officials have observed a recent uptick in pedestrian and cyclist crashes in the city (reflecting nationwide post-pandemic trends). In fact, as of late 2024, Boston EMS data showed 137 crashes involving pedestrians for the year, with 8 pedestrian fatalities in the city. Clearly, there is more work to do to improve safety for vulnerable road users in urban areas.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Massachusetts

Understanding why crashes happen is key to preventing them. Across Massachusetts (and in Boston specifically), certain causes and contributing factors appear over and over in accident reports. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents, supported by data:

• Impaired Driving (DUI/DWI) – Drunk or drug-impaired drivers remain one of the biggest dangers on the road. In Massachusetts, about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities involve a driver under the influence of alcohol. This rate (34% of fatal crashes in 2021) is higher than the national average (~31%). Driving while intoxicated dramatically slows reaction times and can lead to catastrophic head-on collisions and other high-severity crashes. Despite strict OUI laws, impaired driving continues to claim too many lives each year.
  
• Distracted Driving – Taking one’s eyes or mind off the road for even a moment can cause a crash. Distractions like texting, using a smartphone, adjusting the GPS/radio, or other in-car activities are a growing cause of accidents. In 2024 alone, at least 67 injury crashes in Massachusetts were attributed to distracted driving. This number likely underestimates the issue, since distraction often goes unreported. Nationally, studies show thousands of deaths from distracted driving each year. Anything that diverts attention – whether it’s phone use, eating, or conversations – can lead to a collision in the blink of an eye.
  
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving – Excessive speed is a factor in a large share of crashes, especially those with severe outcomes. Over the past decade, speed-related crashes have killed more than 1,000 people in Massachusetts (2013–2022). Driving too fast for conditions reduces the time a driver has to react and greatly increases impact forces in a crash. Aggressive behaviors often tied to speeding – such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and running red lights – also contribute to accidents. In the Boston region’s congested traffic, aggressive driving can be especially dangerous. Road rage incidents or impatient drivers weaving through traffic not only cause collisions, but also endanger pedestrians and cyclists. Massachusetts State Police have noted an increase in speeding and aggressive driving in recent years, which they link to many serious crashes.
  
• Failure to Yield / Traffic Violations – Many urban accidents in Boston stem from drivers failing to yield or obey traffic signals. For example, running red lights or stop signs, making illegal turns at intersections, or not yielding to oncoming traffic when turning left are common behaviors that lead to collisions. “Failure to yield the right of way” is frequently listed as a driver contributing factor in crash reports. These violations often result in T-bone and angle collisions at intersections, which can cause serious injuries.
  
• Young and Inexperienced Drivers – Teens and younger drivers (under 25) are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes due to inexperience and sometimes riskier behavior. In Massachusetts, between 2013 and 2017 there were over 41,000 single-vehicle crashes involving drivers under 25, with 1,358 of those resulting in fatal or suspected serious injuries. Youth and inexperience can lead to errors in judgment, slower reaction to hazards, or poor vehicle control. This is why insurance rates are highest for younger drivers – and why continued education on safe driving habits for teens is so important.
  
• Weather and Road Conditions – New England weather is another factor that contributes to many accidents. Snow, ice, and heavy rain create slick roads and poor visibility. Every winter, Massachusetts sees spikes in fender-benders and more serious crashes during snowstorms and icy conditions. Notably, about two-thirds of all speeding-related fatal crashes in 2022 occurred during foggy conditions – illustrating how reduced visibility can turn highway speeding especially deadly. Hydroplaning on wet roads or sliding on black ice often leads to multi-car pileups on highways. Even good drivers can lose control if they don’t adjust their speed for bad weather. Road surface conditions (potholes, debris) and poorly marked construction zones are additional contributing factors, though driver error is usually intertwined with these factors.

Other causes that commonly appear in crash analyses include driver fatigue (drowsy driving), vehicle malfunctions (like brake or tire failures), and hit-and-run incidents. Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes – where an at-fault driver flees the scene – occur with some frequency in the Boston area, leaving victims in a difficult position. Whether due to distracted, impaired, or reckless driving, the vast majority of crashes are preventable if drivers exercise caution and obey the rules of the road.

When and Where Accidents Happen: Timing & Hotspots

Not all times and places are equally dangerous – crash data shows clear patterns in when accidents are most likely. Knowing these patterns can help drivers anticipate higher-risk situations:

• Peak Crash Times: The most dangerous period to drive is typically the evening rush hour, especially between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. During this hour, roads are congested with commuters and drivers may be tired or eager to get home, which can lead to more errors. In fact, a study of federal data confirmed 5–6 p.m. as the peak for crashes and fatal accidents in Massachusetts. The morning rush (7–9 a.m.) is another busy period with elevated crash rates, though generally less deadly than the evening. Nighttime driving is also very hazardous – the risk of a fatal crash is about three times higher at night than during daylight. Darkness reduces visibility, and there tend to be more drunk or drowsy drivers on the road at night, increasing the chances of severe collisions.
  
• Day of Week: Weekends, especially Saturdays, see the most crashes on average. One analysis found Saturday had more reported crashes than any other day of the week in Massachusetts. This makes sense because weekends bring a surge of travel – people running errands, attending social events, or taking road trips. Unfortunately, weekend crashes also often involve higher rates of drunk driving (e.g., people leaving bars/parties) and higher speeds on highways, which can result in more serious outcomes. On the flip side, some weekday periods (like early Monday mornings) have relatively lower traffic and thus fewer crashes.
  
• Seasonal Patterns: New England’s seasonal swings influence driving risks. Winter is notorious for snowstorms and ice, which can lead to chain-reaction crashes on highways and many minor neighborhood accidents from skidding. Freezing rain and snow create treacherous conditions; drivers who don’t slow down accordingly can easily lose control. Summer brings different challenges – while the weather is better, there are more vehicles on the road (tourist travel, road trips, motorcycles, etc.), and drivers may engage in riskier behavior during leisure outings. Law enforcement notes that in summer, speeding and distracted driving tend to increase on clear days. Early mornings and late nights in winter are particularly dangerous due to darkness combined with ice, whereas summer weekends might see spikes due to holiday travel and potentially more impaired drivers. Essentially, each season has its hazards: winter’s snow and ice, spring’s rain and fog, summer’s traffic volume and road construction, and fall’s early nightfall and slippery leaves – all demand cautious driving.
  
• Weather Conditions: As mentioned, inclement weather is a major factor. Heavy rain causes hydroplaning and obscures vision; fog can hide other vehicles or obstacles (as seen with the fog-related fatality stat earlier). Snow and ice greatly extend braking distances. Even “milder” weather conditions like glare from bright sun (common during morning/evening sun angles) contribute to crashes. Massachusetts crash reports include weather codes, and it’s no surprise that clear, dry days see the most crashes overall (simply because they’re most common), but a disproportionate number of serious crashes occur during rain, snow, and fog. Drivers should be extra vigilant in bad weather or darkness – slowing down, increasing following distance, and using headlights appropriately can save lives.
  
• High-Risk Locations: Certain roads and intersections consistently report more crashes. In urban Boston, complex multi-road intersections and rotaries are frequent sites of collisions, due to high traffic volume and opportunities for conflict. According to a recent analysis by the Boston Globe, the most crash-prone intersections in Boston (2014–2024) include:
  

1. Massachusetts Avenue & Melnea Cass Boulevard – 124 crashes (the Mass. Ave/Melnea Cass area, also known as “Mass and Cass,” sees heavy traffic and has been called Boston’s most perilous crash hotspot).
2. Albany Street & Massachusetts Avenue – 96 crashes (another busy South End junction adjacent to the Mass and Cass area).
3. Harvard Street & Morton Street – 87 crashes (a major intersection in Dorchester with high volumes and frequent congestion).
4. Cedar Street & Columbus Avenue – 86 crashes (in Roxbury near a busy MBTA transit hub and Roxbury Community College).
5. American Legion Highway & Walk Hill Street – 79 crashes (a wide, fast roadway in Roslindale intersecting a local street).

• These locations are generally multi-lane roads where drivers may be speeding, making lots of turns, or dealing with complex traffic signals – all factors that increase crash likelihood. Many are also in densely populated neighborhoods, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk in these areas. City officials note that some of these intersections were designed in past eras with cars prioritized over pedestrian safety, and they have since become targets for safety improvements.

Outside of Boston’s city streets, major highways and interstates in the region are also frequent sites of accidents. Interstate I-93, which runs north-south from Boston through communities like Medford, Andover, and into New Hampshire, carries extremely heavy commuter traffic and has multiple merger and interchange points where crashes often occur. The same goes for I-95 and I-495 looping around Boston – high speeds and high volumes can be a lethal mix if something goes wrong. Notably, I-95 in southern New Hampshire has seen a crackdown by police due to many impaired driving and speeding incidents causing fatalities. In Massachusetts, the MassDOT Crash Portal’s annual reports often list stretches of highway (and their interchanges) among the top locations for frequent collisions. For example, interchanges like I-93/I-95 (“128”) in the north suburbs, or the Mass Pike (I-90) ramps in Boston, regularly appear in high-crash location lists. Drivers in Greater Boston should be especially careful when navigating on-ramps, junctions, and busy arterial roads that have a history of accidents.

Staying Safe on the Road (Tips and Next Steps)

The data can feel overwhelming, but the takeaway is that most crashes are preventable. By being aware of when and why accidents typically happen, drivers can take proactive steps to protect themselves and others. Here are a few key safety tips drawn from the trends:

• Drive Defensively: Assume other drivers may make mistakes and give yourself buffering room. Keep a safe following distance (especially in bad weather or heavy traffic) and anticipate potential hazards at intersections. Avoid aggressive maneuvers – saving a few seconds by speeding or weaving isn’t worth the increased crash risk.
  
• Avoid Distractions: Commit to focused driving. Put the phone on Do Not Disturb, set up GPS or music before you start moving, and resist the urge to take your hands off the wheel. If you need to attend to something urgent (kids, calls, etc.), safely pull over. Remember that a moment’s distraction at 60 mph can mean traveling the length of a football field blind.
  
• Don’t Drive Impaired: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or anything that impairs your reaction time and judgment. Use a designated driver or ride-share if you’ve been drinking. Similarly, avoid driving when excessively fatigued – drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. The consequences of impaired driving are devastating, accounting for a large share of Massachusetts’ worst crashes.
  
• Watch Your Speed: Follow posted speed limits and slow down if conditions are poor. High speed reduces your ability to react to surprises (like a car stopping short or a pedestrian stepping out). Remember that speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes both statewide and nationally. Arriving a few minutes later is better than not arriving at all.
  
• Be Cautious at Intersections: Urban drivers should take extra care at intersections – even when you have right of way, look out for red-light runners or turning vehicles. Come to full stops at stop signs. In Boston, a large proportion of injury crashes happen at intersections, so being alert can truly be life-saving. Make eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing, and yield as required by law.
  
• Prepare for Weather: In winter, equip your car with good tires, clear snow/ice off your vehicle completely, and allow extra travel time. In rain or fog, use headlights (and fog lights if you have them) and slow down to improve traction. If a storm is especially bad, consider delaying travel. No errand or meeting is worth risking a serious accident on icy roads. As MassDOT often reminds drivers: “Winter, expect the unexpected” – black ice and sudden weather changes can catch anyone off guard.

Despite best efforts, accidents can still happen to the safest of drivers. If you or a loved one is involved in a crash in the Boston area or anywhere in Massachusetts/southern New Hampshire, know that you have rights and resources. Always report the accident and seek medical evaluation first. Then, consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney – like the team at Kiley Law Group – to understand your legal options. A qualified attorney can help investigate the crash (including reviewing police reports and any available data), determine fault, and pursue compensation for your injuries, damages, and pain and suffering.

Kiley Law Group has over 50 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Greater Boston and New England. Our community has seen far too many preventable crashes, but by raising awareness with data-driven insights and holding negligent drivers accountable, we can work toward safer roads. Stay alert, stay safe, and remember that if the worst does happen, you’re not alone – legal help is available to get justice and recover after a serious accident.

Sources:

• Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Crash Data Portal – Boston crash statistics for 2022–2023; Statewide crash and fatality totals.
• Boston Globe / Vision Zero data: Analysis of dangerous intersections and serious crash trends in Boston.
• Law firm analyses: Michael Kelly Law Firm blog – Massachusetts car accident statistics (2024–2025); Sweeney Merrigan Law – Boston accident figures (2022–2023) and common causes.
• Mass.gov Press Release: World Day of Remembrance – MassDOT 2023 crash data update (Nov 2023).
• Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers blog: Most dangerous time to drive in MA (analysis of NHTSA data).
• Jason Ranallo Law blog: Drunk driving accident statistics in MA.
• Burns Bryant (NH) Law blog: 2024 New Hampshire roadway fatalities – causes and timing.
• Forbes Advisor / NHTSA data: National crash risk factors by time and day (referenced via Glassman and others).
  

By examining data from these sources, we get a clearer picture of the accident landscape in our region. Remember that behind every statistic is a real person or family affected, which is why safe driving and strong advocacy for victims are both so critical in Massachusetts and beyond.