Never Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident can result in severe penalties, including the revocation of your driving privileges or even a suspended license.
Vermont Car Crash Statistics
Vermont's serene landscapes hide a grim reality of increasing car crash fatalities, reaching a decade high in 2022. Interstate 89 witnessed one of many tragic multi-car collisions, highlighting the urgent need for safety improvements. A significant portion of these fatal accidents stem from speeding, alcohol, and drug use, with a notable rise in incidents involving impaired drivers. In 2022, an alarming 57% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, a stark increase from previous years. Moreover, despite a high seat belt usage rate among Vermonters, the majority of fatalities occurred among those not wearing seat belts, underscoring the critical role of seat belt safety in preventing loss of life.
Particularly notorious for accidents is the intersection of Clay Point Road and Route 2 in Colchester, where a series of fatal accidents have prompted local residents to call for comprehensive safety reviews and the implementation of stricter safety measures. Despite efforts to address these concerns, including speed limit adjustments and the installation of warning signs, the persistence of high crash rates calls for further action. Vermont's challenge is not just to manage the immediate aftermath of these tragedies but to prevent them through proactive safety measures and education on the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
Fatal Crashes
69
Deaths
74
Deaths per 100,000 population
11.4
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.12
Crash Types
74
Single-vehicle
44
Multiple-vehicle
30
Alcohol Involvement
39killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
34
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
13
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Particularly notorious for accidents is the intersection of Clay Point Road and Route 2 in Colchester, where a series of fatal accidents have prompted local residents to call for comprehensive safety reviews and the implementation of stricter safety measures. Despite efforts to address these concerns, including speed limit adjustments and the installation of warning signs, the persistence of high crash rates calls for further action. Vermont's challenge is not just to manage the immediate aftermath of these tragedies but to prevent them through proactive safety measures and education on the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Vermont
Vermont's overall crash data shows a high number of rural road fatalities, with 92% of the state's car crash deaths occurring on rural roads.
7
9 Car crashes/year
116
2 Car crashes/year
89
3 Car crashes/year
100
3 Car crashes/year
105
3 Car crashes/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in Vermont
- Crashes involving pedestrians often occur in dark lighting conditions, such as on rural roads at night and during the fall and winter seasons. Approximately one in five crashes involving a pedestrian occur in parking lots.
- Vermont estimates between 2,000 and 4,000 people are injured and killed on its roadways each year, with an average of 60 deaths annually. Additionally, there is an average of 6 pedestrian deaths and one bicycle death per year.
- In 2022, approximately 11% of fatalities involved distracted driving.
- Seat belt usage in Vermont reached its highest-ever rate at 90% in 2022. Despite this, 63% of people who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
- Speeding, along with alcohol and drug use, were major factors in these fatal accidents. In 2022, 57% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- In 2022, Vermont experienced a 10-year high in car crash fatalities, with 77 deaths recorded. This number was up from 74 in 2021 and marked the highest since 2012.
- Vermont had a notable distinction in 2021, being among the states with the highest percentage (92%) of motor vehicle crash deaths occurring on rural roads. This starkly contrasts with states like Massachusetts, Maryland, and New Jersey, where a significantly lower percentage of crash deaths were reported on rural roads.
- Regarding seat belt usage in 2021, Vermont observed a high compliance rate, with 89% of front-seat passengers wearing seat belts. Despite this high rate of seat belt usage, a significant portion of fatally injured passengers and drivers were not restrained at the time of their accidents, indicating that unrestrained occupants are far more likely to be fatally injured in a crash.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Vermont?
Taking prompt and informed action can protect lives and property in the aftermath of a car accident on Vermont's roads. This is a breakdown of essential steps to follow after a collision:
1
2
Ensure Safety First
After a car accident, ensure you and your passengers are safe. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and to prevent further collisions. Activate your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers.
3
Call 911
Immediately call 911 if there are any injuries or significant damage. Reporting the accident to the authorities is not only a legal requirement in cases of injury, death, or significant property damage but also ensures that emergency medical services are dispatched if needed.
4
Report the Accident
If the car accident results in injury, death, or property damage of $3,000 or more, Vermont law requires you to report the incident to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours using the appropriate forms provided by the Commissioner.
5
Exchange Information
It's crucial to exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration, and auto insurance information with the other parties involved in the traffic collision. This step is not only a legal requirement but also necessary for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
6
Document the Accident Scene
Take photographs and notes about the accident scene, including those showing the damage to vehicles, prevailing road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals, can be invaluable. This documentation can support your insurance claim and provide evidence in case of legal proceedings.
7
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the car crash as soon as possible. Providing a detailed account of the incident can expedite the claims process.
8
Seek Legal Advice
Considering the complexities of traffic collision laws and insurance policies, consulting with an attorney experienced in Vermont's car accident laws can provide guidance on your rights, potential compensation, and the steps to take following an accident.
Vermont Driving Laws and Facts
Speed Limits and Safe Driving
Vermont enforces speed limits to ensure safe driving. If you're caught going over 60 mph or exceeding the posted limit by 30 mph, penalties include fines and potential jail time, with increasing severity for subsequent offenses.
Parking Laws
Specific areas where parking is prohibited include blocking traffic, on highways, sidewalks, near fire hydrants, and in designated no-parking zones. Fines for parking violations start at up to $5 for a first offense and increase with subsequent violations.
Move-Over Law
This law requires drivers to slow down and move over when passing emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and any vehicle with activated lights and sirens on the roadside. Failure to comply can result in fines and points on your driver's license.
Railroad Crossing Laws
Drivers must stop for closed railroad gates and cannot pass vehicles stopped at railroad crossings. The law mandates stopping at least 15 feet from the nearest rail under certain conditions.
School Bus Law
Vehicles in both directions must stop for school buses with activated red warning lights, except when there's a divided highway or physical barrier separating lanes. Violations carry heavy fines and points on your driver's license.
DUI Laws
Vermont has zero tolerance for driving under the influence, with BAC limits set at 0.08% for drivers over 21, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21. Penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory education programs.
Cell Phone Law
Vermont prohibits reading or sending messages and using portable electronic devices while driving, including when stationary on a public highway. Fines increase for subsequent offenses, especially in work zones.
Car Crash Laws
After an accident, move vehicles to the shoulder if possible, call 911 for injuries, and exchange information with other parties. A crash report must be submitted to the DMV within 72 hours for accidents with injuries or significant property damage.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws
Seat belt use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, with primary enforcement for those under 18 and secondary for adults. Vermont has specific child restraint laws based on age, weight, and height, with fines for non-compliance.
Handheld Device Use
It's illegal to use a handheld mobile device for any purpose while operating a moving vehicle. This includes while the vehicle is stationary on a public highway. The penalties for using a handheld device range from $100 to $200 for a first violation and increase to $250 to $500 for subsequent violations within a two-year period.
Texting Law
Vermont defines texting as reading, manually composing, or sending electronic communications, including text messages, instant messages, or emails, using a portable electronic device. The law prohibits texting while operating a moving motor vehicle in any place open to the public or general circulation of vehicles. The same penalties for handheld device use apply to texting violations.
Junior Drivers
For drivers under 18, the use of any portable electronic device while driving is completely prohibited, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary.
Vermont Weird Traffic Laws
- Cars are not allowed to backfire in Rutland.