DMVZoneBlogNorth Carolina recorded 1,524 traffic deaths in 2025, down 12% and the fewest since 2019. Alcohol played a part in nearly a quarter, and 44% of people killed were not buckled. Rural Robeson County has one of the highest death rates.
North Carolina had 1,524 traffic deaths in 2025, a 12% drop and the lowest number since 2019, according to the NCDMV Crash Facts report released in October 2026. Injuries fell nearly 6% to 107,076. Speeding contributed to 22% of deaths, alcohol to nearly a quarter, and 44% of people killed were not wearing a seat belt.
The drop came in a year when North Carolinians drove a record 132 billion miles. Injuries per 100 crashes fell to 38.3, the lowest since the state began keeping records in 1960.
| Group | Deaths in 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| All traffic deaths | 1,524 | Down 12% |
| Pedestrians | 262 | Down nearly 7% |
| Motorcyclists | 164 | Down 15% |
| Bicyclists | 33 | Down 17.5% |
Mecklenburg and Wake counties had the most pedestrian deaths in 2025, with 33 and 21. But per person, rural counties are far more dangerous. In federal data for 2023, these counties had the highest death rates in the state.
| County (2023) | Deaths per 100,000 people | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Graham | 61.9 | 5 |
| Robeson | 55.2 | 65 |
| Scotland | 53.5 | 18 |
| Montgomery | 49.5 | 13 |
| Bertie | 47.0 | 8 |
| Halifax | 44.6 | 21 |
Rural roads mean higher speeds, fewer lights and longer waits for help. Buckling up matters most there, and it costs you two seconds.
How many people died on North Carolina roads in 2025?
Answer: B. NCDMV counted 1,524 deaths.
What share of people killed in 2025 NC crashes were unbuckled?
Answer: C. 44% of those killed were not wearing a seat belt.
Which county had the most pedestrian deaths in 2025?
Answer: B. Mecklenburg had 33 pedestrian deaths.
The NCDMV Crash Facts report for 2025, as reported by WSOC-TV in October 2026.
They come from the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which runs about two years behind.
Rates are per person. A few deaths in a county with few residents gives a high rate.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official North Carolina DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
NC DMV points run from 1 to 5. At 7 points you can take a driver improvement clinic to cut 3. At 12 points in three years your license is suspended for up to 60 days the first time.
Under North Carolina's Safe Driver Incentive Plan, 1 insurance point raises your premium 40%, 4 points raise it 90% and a DWI's 12 points raise it 340%. Here is the full chart and the 2025 rule changes.
North Carolina drivers with 7 DMV points may be offered a driver improvement clinic. Finishing it removes 3 points, once every five years. It does not lower insurance points.