Rhode Island recorded 70 traffic fatalities in 2023 along with 243 serious injuries, marking a significant increase of around 35% compared to 2022 and one of the highest percentage rises in fatalities in the United States. While fatalities had been declining in previous years, they surged in 2023 as traffic volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels, increasing overall crash risk. Speeding and impaired driving remain the leading causes of severe and fatal crashes, along with other contributing factors such as distracted driving, poor weather conditions and nighttime driving. Although relatively rare, wrong-way crashes are particularly deadly, with 10 such fatal incidents causing 13 deaths since 2008. Additionally, vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, continue to face a higher risk of serious injuries and fatalities, especially in urban areas across the state.
Accounted for 28 crashes (39%), representing the largest share of incidents in Rhode Island.
Were involved in 16 crashes (23%), indicating a significant proportion of fatal and serious incidents.
Contributed to 11 crashes (15%), making them another notable category.
Involved in 2 crashes (3%), representing a small share of total cases.
Reported 0 crashes (0%), indicating no involvement in this dataset.
Also accounted for 11 incidents (15%), highlighting the risk to vulnerable road users.
• The busiest highway in the state, especially through Providence
• Heavy congestion, frequent merging and high speeds lead to serious crashes
• Known for fatal crashes, particularly on certain stretches
• High-speed travel and less congestion increase crash severity
• Busy commercial corridor with frequent intersections and traffic signals
• High risk of rear-end and intersection crashes
• Complex highway system near Providence
• Frequent lane changes, merges and congestion make it accident-prone
• Mix of rural and suburban driving conditions
• Higher speeds and curves contribute to serious and fatal crashes
Single vehicle fatal car accident occurs on Suburban/highway areas.
of fatal car accidents in Rhode Island happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur on urban areas.
of fatal car accidents in Rhode Island happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
Horses still get VIP treatment
Drivers are required to slow down or stop if a horse is on or near the road. This law is on the books and being enforced to this day.
No coasting in neutral downhill
Coasting down a hill while the vehicle’s transmission is in neutral is illegal in the state of Rhode Island. The reason for this law is mainly due to the fact that by putting the car in neutral when traveling down the hill, you remove any type of engine braking, causing the vehicle to gain speed more rapidly. This puts more strain on the brakes, which can potentially overheat and fail.
Headlights must be used every time windshield wipers are engaged.
This law requires drivers to turn on their headlights every time the windshield wipers are in use. This helps increase visibility in adverse weather conditions.
Headphone Restriction
Drivers are not allowed to operate a vehicle on public roadways while wearing headphones, earphones, or headsets. This is considered a safety risk and is strictly prohibited in the state. However, drivers are allowed to drive with a single earbud.
Speeding fines can add up quickly
Rhode Island enforces strict penalties for speeding, especially in congested parts of Providence with a lot of construction, school zones and safe speed, area, which can add additional fines to the already hefty speeding violations.
Cyclists are treated like drivers
The state of Rhode Island treats bicyclists similarly to all other motorists. This means that bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as car drivers, which can feel unusual for some drivers.
Drivers are required to honk their horns when passing by other motorists
This is one of those old antiquated laws that is still on the books in the state of Rhode Island. The law states that the passing driver must honk their horn or make a loud noise when passing other vehicles. The law does not appear to be actively enforced, so do not worry about getting a ticker for not sounding your horn next time you go to pass a slower driving vehicle in this state.