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New Hampshire Sees a Deadly Year With 134 Roadway Fatalities in 2024

View from inside a car driving on a dimly lit, winding road with approaching headlights on a wet and wintry evening, symbolizing dangerous driving conditions.

In 2024, far too many lives were lost on New Hampshire roads. Families were left grieving, and communities were shaken as the number of fatalities rose beyond what we’ve seen in recent years. Just before the year's end, New Hampshire saw 134 roadway fatalities, a 5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, driver deaths increased by 12% and young driver fatalities (ages 16-21) increased by an alarming 233%.

These weren’t just numbers; they were people with stories, dreams, and loved ones left behind. Speeding and distracted driving were the leading causes of fatalities, while drunk driving claimed more lives than it should have. Each fatal car accident reminds us how quickly a moment of recklessness can change lives forever. This heartbreaking rise in fatalities has sparked a call for action. Families and safety advocates are demanding better enforcement and education to prevent more losses. Communities are asking us all to do our part to protect one another.

When are New Hampshire roads most dangerous?

Certain times of day proved especially deadly in 2024. Early mornings and late nights were when many roadway fatalities occurred due to darkness, fatigue, and poor visibility. Weekends also saw a spike in fatal crashes, which were often linked to social gatherings and impaired driving. Winter brought icy roads that left drivers struggling to stay in control. Summer, while sunny, brought its own challenges with speeding and distractions behind the wheel.

What’s causing roadway fatalities in New Hampshire?

Speeding, one of the most preventable causes, continues to put everyone at risk. At one point, it caused four deaths on New Hampshire state roads within 24 hours. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is one of the nation's leading causes of roadway fatalities, with 12,151 lives lost in 2022.

State Police Lt. Chris Storm has witnessed a significant increase in speeding and aggressive driving since COVID-19.  "It’s always the same thing — people are driving too fast for the conditions, they’re distracted or they’re impaired," said Storm. "Unfortunately, we continue to see those trends going up."

Texting, phone calls, and other distractions also led to countless preventable crashes. These split-second lapses in focus ended lives and shattered families. Distracted driving is another major cause of fatal crashes, with 3,308 deaths in 2022.

Drunk driving played a significant role too. Impaired drivers made choices that turned deadly, often in high-traffic areas. On a national scale, drunk driving killed over 13,500 people in 2022.

Lastly, wrong-way driving was a cause of serious and fatal crashes in New Hampshire during 2024. In early December, 248 incidents of wrong-way driving and 17 collisions were reported. This marked an increase from the same incidents in 2023.

What’s being done to make New Hampshire roads safer?

Authorities are stepping up efforts to address this crisis. New Hampshire law enforcement has increased patrols, cracking down on speeders and drunk drivers, especially on Interstate 95.

Public campaigns seek to educate drivers about the dangers of distractions and reckless behavior. One program called Driving Toward Zero strives to cut roadway deaths by 50% by 2030.

Additionally, the state plans to install new cable barriers on I-95 to prevent crossover crashes, which caused several fatalities around Portsmouth and Greenland.

Technology will also play a role in preventing fatal crashes in New Hampshire. The state plans to implement new tools to catch and deter wrong-way drivers on highways.

"The potential technology improvements would include features to alert wrong-way drivers themselves, other drivers, and first responders,” said Department of Safety spokesman Tyler Dumont. “The department is also looking at legislative options."

How can drivers and communities make a difference?

Road safety starts with each of us. Simple actions can save lives. This includes obeying speed limits, staying focused, and never driving under the influence. It also helps to prepare your car for weather conditions, such as adding snow tires and keeping up with maintenance.

Communities also have the power to drive change. Hosting workshops and school programs can teach drivers about safety and responsibility. Plus, advocacy groups can push for stricter laws and better enforcement. Awareness campaigns can remind drivers of the human cost of careless decisions. Together, we can create a culture of safety and accountability.

Hurt in a New Hampshire car crash? Let our law firm fight for you

No matter how careful you are, car accidents can happen when you least expect them. If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else's negligence or lost a loved one, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. The New Hampshire attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin have spent over a century helping car accident victims in New Hampshire rebuild their lives.

Our experienced attorneys can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. That includes everything from negotiating with insurance companies to gathering evidence to strengthen your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Your initial consultation with our team is always free. During this meeting, one of our experienced car accident attorneys will listen to your story, review the details of your accident, and discuss your legal options. We’ll answer all your questions and provide clear, honest advice about the best path forward.

With offices conveniently located in Dover and Portsmouth, we serve clients across New Hampshire. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

"Engaging the firm Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller, and Durkin was a very good decision for me. After thoroughly reviewing our partnership concerns and rights, our situation was quickly and efficiently resolved. I couldn't have chosen a better firm... Many thanks to them for their professionalism and helpful guidance." - M.C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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