Despite a 24 percent increase in industry-wide collision rates per vehicle from Q3 2023 through Q4 2024, new global data shows a significant reduction in the more severe collision levels compared to 2023, according to a new report by Lytx.

The report by the video and safety-driven efficiency pioneer analyzes over 300 billion miles of driving data to reveal critical insights into road safety trends and emerging risks for commercial fleets.

After a steady decline between 2018 and 2020, collision rates and risky driving behaviors have been rising since 2023.

Level 1 (highest severity) collisions saw a decrease of 6 percent, while Level 2 (moderate severity) collisions dropped by 59 percent, demonstrating improved driver safety through proactive coaching and technology, Lytx researchers said.

Also contributing to the drop in severity is a 4 percent reduction in overall risky behavior in 2024 among drivers equipped with Lytx technology.

“Close calls” and near collisions also increased, up 52 percent when comparing Q4 2024 to Q4 2023, as roads have become increasingly congested.

Following too close, use of handheld device, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding continue to top the list of riskiest driving behaviors.

Notable increases and decreases from 2023 to 2024 include:

• Speed violation (+9 percent)
• Food or drink (+7 percent)
• No seatbelt (-13 percent)
• Handheld device (-9 percent)

Following distance (1-2 seconds) increased 2 percent from 2023 to 2024, while following distance (less than 1 second) rose by 19 percent, highlighting a need for companies to reinforce following distance policies through coaching and communication.

Driving “too fast for conditions” made drivers 4x more likely to be in a Level 1 incident and was the top factor in severe inclement weather collisions.

Fog is the most dangerous weather condition, increasing Level 1 collision likelihood by 2.8x.

Due to its unfavorable weather conditions, winter carries double the risk of collisions compared to other seasons.

The Top 5 Riskiest States:

1. California
2. Texas
3. New York
4. Florida
5. New Jersey

The 5 Riskiest Cities:

1. New York
2. Los Angeles
3. Dallas/Fort Worth
4. Chicago
5. Washington, D.C.

The Top 10 Risky Driving Behaviors:

1. Following distance (1-2 seconds from vehicle ahead)
2. Handheld device
3. No seatbelt
4. Posted speed violation
5. Following distance (1 second or less from vehicle ahead)
6. Incomplete stop
7. Food or drink
8. Driver unbelted (roadway)
9. Failed to stop
10. Inattentive

Riskiest Days and Times to Drive + Holiday Insights:

• Tuesdays are the riskiest days to drive in the U.S. in 2024. Sundays are the safest.
• Mid-week driving carries the most driving risk, while weekend driving is the safest.
• Risks were elevated between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., peaking at 2 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve proved to be 2024’s riskiest day (and holiday) to drive in the U.S.
• Christmas Day (2023’s riskiest day and holiday to drive) was a close second.
• Overall, there was a 12 percent increase in collisions on major U.S. holidays when compared to the same day of the week across the rest of the year.

“Today’s fleets and drivers face rapidly changing risk environments,” said Rajesh Rudraradhya, chief technology officer at Lytx. “To stay on top of these changes, managers need real-time data insights and advanced tools that can help them identify and address emerging risk patterns.”