Never Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to serious legal consequences, including the revocation of your driving privileges or even arrest.
New Hampshire Car Crash Statistics
New Hampshire, known for its scenic drives through the White Mountains and along the Atlantic coastline, faces a stark reality on its roads. The state has seen a worrying rise in car crash fatalities, with a 47% increase from 2019 to 2022, challenging its reputation as a safe driving haven. This surge has put a spotlight on the underlying causes of these tragic incidents, including speeding, impaired driving, and distractions behind the wheel. In particular, New Hampshire's roadways, such as the stretches of I-93 that cut through the heart of the state, have become sites of concern due to the increased risks they pose to drivers.
Despite efforts to improve road safety, the state's fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled has climbed significantly, reflecting a broader trend of riskier driving behavior across the country.
Moreover, the economic and quality-of-life costs of these crashes are staggering, amounting to billions, highlighting the urgent need for action. As New Hampshire grapples with these challenges, the focus turns to potential solutions, from enhancing road infrastructure to promoting safer driving practices.
Fatal Crashes
106
Deaths
118
Deaths per 100,000 population
8.5
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
0.90
Crash Types
118
Single-vehicle
78
Multiple-vehicle
40
Alcohol Involvement
62killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
50
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
25
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Despite efforts to improve road safety, the state's fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled has climbed significantly, reflecting a broader trend of riskier driving behavior across the country.
Moreover, the economic and quality-of-life costs of these crashes are staggering, amounting to billions, highlighting the urgent need for action. As New Hampshire grapples with these challenges, the focus turns to potential solutions, from enhancing road infrastructure to promoting safer driving practices.
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in New Hampshire
Navigating New Hampshire's roads can be as perilous as it is breathtaking. Here's a look at the top 5 most dangerous roads in the state.
3
6 Fatalities/year
11
5 Fatalities/year
16
5 Fatalities/year
202
3 Fatalities/year
4
3 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in New Hampshire
- In 2021, there were 118 traffic collision fatalities and 482 serious injuries.
- Surge in Fatalities: From 2019 to 2022, New Hampshire experienced a 47% increase in traffic fatalities, significantly higher than the national average. This period also saw a 53% rise in the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), even as vehicle travel decreased by 2%.
- Economic and Quality-of-Life Costs: In 2022 alone, fatal and serious traffic crashes in New Hampshire resulted in an estimated $11 billion in societal harm. This figure includes both economic costs ($2.8 billion) and quality-of-life costs ($8.5 billion).
- Motorcycle Fatalities Peak: 2022 marked a grim record for motorcycle crashes in New Hampshire, with 31 operators and one passenger dying. This is the highest number of motorcycle-related deaths recorded since the state's current tallying system began in 2012.
- Overall Highway Fatalities: The state recorded 141 fatalities from highway crashes in 2022, arising from 132 different fatal crashes. These figures are among the highest on record for New Hampshire.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in New Hampshire?
After a car accident in New Hampshire, there are several important steps you need to follow to ensure compliance with state laws:
1
2
Safety First
Move your vehicle to a safe area without obstructing traffic if possible. Assess the situation for any immediate dangers and provide assistance to anyone injured until medical help arrives. Always call 911 to report the accident and any injuries.
3
Exchange Information
New Hampshire law requires you to exchange certain information with the other parties involved. This includes names, addresses, contact details, driver's license numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, and auto insurance information. Documenting the scene with photos and taking note of witness information is also beneficial.
4
Reporting the Accident
If the accident results in death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report it to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 15 days using the Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form DSMV 400). Failure to report an accident under these conditions is considered a serious offense. If the police investigate the accident, they will file a report on your behalf, but you may also need to submit an operator's report to assist with insurance claims.
5
Insurance Verification
If insurance information was not available at the scene and the police were involved, you or the vehicle owner must verify insurance information either online or by completing and mailing the Insurance Verification Form (DSMV 118, Blue Card).
6
Requesting an Accident Report
To request a copy of an accident report, complete the Request for Motor Vehicle Records (DSMV 505) form and submit it to the NH DMV. There's a fee for requesting crash reports, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal consultations.
7
Legal Assistance
If you are injured, it might be wise to consult a personal injury attorney before agreeing to any insurance settlements.
8
Follow-Up
After the accident, keep a record of any medical treatments, repairs to your vehicle, and communications with your insurance company. This information can be crucial for resolving insurance claims and any legal issues.
New Hampshire Driving Laws and Facts
Distracted Driving Laws
New Hampshire prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. This includes texting, calling, using navigational systems, and browsing the internet without a hands-free feature. The law specifies fines escalating from $100 for a first violation to $500 for third and subsequent violations within a 24-month period and may include license suspension or revocation for repeated offenses.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in New Hampshire vary depending on the area, with a maximum of 70 mph on certain sections of I-93 and different limits for other highways, rural residence districts, and urban areas. The state emphasizes adjusting speed according to conditions, and penalties for speeding are determined based on the severity of the offense.
Parking Laws
There are specific no-parking zones to avoid obstructing traffic, including sidewalks, crosswalks, intersections, and near fire hydrants or traffic signals. Fines for parking violations range from $62 for a first offense to $310 for unauthorized parking in a disabled slot.
Helmet Laws
Motorcycle riders over 18 are not required by New Hampshire law to wear a helmet, making it one of the few states with such leniency. However, riders under 18 must wear DOT-approved helmets, with a fine of $43.20 for non-compliance.
Loading and Towing Laws
Commercial drivers must ensure their loads are properly secured to prevent them from becoming road hazards. Towed trailers must meet specific requirements, including proper mounting of wheels, mudguards, and adequate lighting and reflectors.
Crash Laws
If involved in a car crash resulting in injury, fatality, or property damage exceeding $1,000, a report must be filed with the DMV within 15 days. Law enforcement will file a report if they investigate the crash, but individuals are responsible for filing if police do not investigate.
Child Restraint Laws
New Hampshire law requires that all children under the age of 18 must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat or wear a seat belt. Specifically, children up to age seven or who are less than 57 inches tall must be secured in a child safety seat. Children aged 7 to 17 must wear a seat belt if not in a child safety seat.
Seat Belt Laws
New Hampshire is unique as it does not require adults over the age of 18 to wear seat belts while operating a vehicle or as passengers. However, all drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 18 are properly restrained by seat belts or child safety seats.
DUI Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in New Hampshire. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 years and older, 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21, and 0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers.
Move Over Law
New Hampshire's ”move over” law mandates that drivers slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and highway maintenance vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road with their lights flashing.
New Hampshire Weird Traffic Laws
- It's illegal to deliberately inhale car exhaust fumes to achieve a state of euphoria.