Severe crash numbers drop despite rise in collision rates, Lytx report reveals

Lytx says that 2024 saw a significant reduction in the more severe collision levels in the U.S. compared to 2023, despite a 24% increase in industry-wide collision rates.

The video telematics and fleet management platform provider’s 2025 Road Safety Report analyzed more than 300 billion miles (482.8 billion km) of driving data to reveal critical insights into road safety trends and emerging risks for commercial fleets.

Level 1 (highest severity) collisions saw a decrease of 6%, while Level 2 (moderate severity) collisions dropped by 59%, demonstrating improved driver safety through proactive coaching and technology, according to the report.  

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

“Today’s fleets and drivers face rapidly changing risk environments,” Rajesh Rudraradhya, chief technology officer at Lytx, said in a news release. “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.” 

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%) 
• Food or drink (+7%) 
• No seatbelt (-13%) 
• Handheld device (-9%) 

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

According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, approximately 21% of the roughly 5.8 million vehicle crashes each year are related to adverse weather, which includes rain, sleet, snow, fog, wind, and blowing debris. Top behaviors that increased the chances of a severe collision when driving in poor weather include too fast for conditions, running a red light, and not paying close attention at intersections.  Fog is a significant risk primarily due to reduced visibility and difficulties in judging speed and distance.

Driving “too fast for conditions” made drivers four times 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 2.8 times. Due to its unfavorable weather conditions, winter carries double the risk for collisions compared to other seasons. 

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