Move the car
The first thing drivers should do is move their vehicles to the shoulder of the road following an accident. It will allow traffic to flow normally while preventing secondary collisions.
Rhode Island Car Crash Statistics
Rhode Island is among the top five safest states for motorists. According to a report by IIHS in 2021, the state had the third lowest number of fatal crashes in the United States. Rhode Island also had the second lowest deaths from road accidents. With about 6,523 miles of road, the state's vast road network and a high population have led to increased traffic congestion, raising concerns about motorist safety in the state.
The main cause of road accidents in the state is speeding. Distracted driving also contributes to high collision rates in Rhode Island. Furthermore, Rhode Island also tops the list of the worst roads in poor conditions, contributing to the number of accidents.
Fatal Crashes
61
Deaths
63
Deaths per 100,000 population
5.7
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
0.84
Crash Types
63
Single-vehicle
36
Multiple-vehicle
27
Alcohol Involvement
32killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
25
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
12
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Rhode Island
Some roads and highways in Rhode Island are notorious for high accidents and fatality rates. The most dangerous roads for motorists in the state include;
95
6 Fatalities/year
44
3 Fatalities/year
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2 Fatalities/year
122
2 Fatalities/year
1
2 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in Rhode Island
- In 2021, the state had 63 fatalities. These deaths resulted from 61 fatal crashes.
- From 2009 to 2018, about 247 people died as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Rhode Island.
- In 2022, Rhode Island recorded 66% of fatal crashes that were speed-related.
- Between 2014 and 2018, an average of 13 pedestrian fatalities occurred each year in Rhode Island.
- In 2019, there were 13 deaths in Rhode Island as a result of motorcycle crashes.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Rhode Island?
Following a car accident in Rhode Island, taking prompt and informed action can save lives and prevent more property damage. Drivers should follow these simple steps after a collision in the state:
1
2
Stay at the scene
The state mandates that all motorists must remain at the scene of a crash until they provide their information to all the parties involved or law enforcement arrives.
3
Turn on safety hazards and use traffic control devices
Drivers should activate their hazard lights and use devices such as cones or flares to warn other drivers to proceed cautiously.
4
Check if anyone is injured
Drivers and others should check for injuries after an accident. In case of a severe injury, immediately contact the medical emergency team and do not move the person.
5
Contact law enforcement
Rhode Island requires drivers to report any collision resulting in death, bodily injury, or property damage of $1,000 or more within 72 hours.
6
Provide your information
The state's law requires those involved to provide their names, addresses, telephone numbers, car's VIN, license numbers, and insurance information. They should also obtain the names of witnesses on the scene.
7
Notify your insurance carrier
If a motor vehicle operator wants to file an insurance claim, they should contact their insurance company to begin the process.
8
Maintain a record
Drivers should always retain documents related to the crash. These documents include crash reports, insurance claims, and medical files.
Rhode Island Driving Laws and Facts
Rhode Island has comprehensive laws to protect all road users in the state. These laws and facts include:
Seat Belt Laws
Rhode Island laws require all vehicle occupants, including passengers, to wear safety belts while the vehicle is moving.
Drivers are legally responsible for any children under the age of 18 in a car. This means drivers can get a ticket if children are unbuckled in the vehicle.
Children aged eight and under must be properly fastened and secured in a booster or child safety seat while the vehicle moves. Additionally, they must always sit in the rear seat of the car.
Vehicle operators must restrain children under the age of two in a rear-facing car seat.
Distracted Drivers Law
The State of Rhode Island forbids drivers from texting or reading emails and texts unless their vehicle is parked or has stopped moving. Additionally, motorists should not text or read emails when the vehicle stops at a red light or stop sign.
Vehicle operators over the age of 18 can make and receive calls while driving.
The state allows vehicle operators to use hands-free and voice-command devices while the car is moving.
Additionally, the state allows the use of factory-installed or aftermarket global positioning systems while driving.
Teenage Driving Laws
In Rhode Island, the legal driving age starts at 16. The state issues new drivers a limited instruction permit after they have completed 33 hours of driver education courses.
Drivers must hold a limited instruction permit for at least six months before getting a limited provisional license. Additionally, drivers must complete a minimum of 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night-time driving, under the oversight of a licensed adult aged 21 or above.
Drivers holding a limited instruction permit or a limited provisional license are not allowed to drive between the hours of 1 am and 5 a.m. unless they are driving to work, school, and religious activities or for a volunteer or charity event. However, teen drivers can operate a vehicle anytime if an adult supervises them.
The state prohibits teen drivers from carrying more than one passenger under 21 unless it is their immediate family.
While driving, every occupant in the vehicle must always wear a seat belt.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a car or motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than .08% is illegal in Rhode Island.
Commercial vehicle drivers should have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.04%.
Minor drivers aged 21 or below should have a BAC below .02% to operate a vehicle.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illegal or controlled substance.
Cargo Bed Laws
Rhode Island prohibits drivers from operating a car with children under the age of 16 sitting in the cargo bed.
Children under 16 can only ride in the cargo area if a driver secures them in a passenger restraint.
Move over laws
In Rhode Island, drivers must move over lanes to ensure the safety of any law enforcement, emergency, or utility vehicles parked on the road with their warning lights flashing.
If drivers cannot change lanes, they are expected to slow down, approach emergency vehicles with caution, and come to a stop as they wait for the lane to clear.
Car Insurance
The state requires that drivers have minimum liability coverage while operating a vehicle on the road.
Drivers must also provide insurance information for the vehicle when asked by law enforcement, during an accident, or in traffic court.
Coasting Downhill
It is illegal for drivers to coast downhill in Rhode Island with their car's transmission set to neutral.
Additionally, the state prohibits trucks, buses, and commercial drivers from coasting downhill with a disengaged clutch.
Using Vehicle Mirrors
Rhode Island law requires all cars to have at least a rearview mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle.
Before driving, vehicle operators must ensure they can see through the mirror without obstructions.
Rhode Island Weird Traffic Laws
While many traffic laws and regulations are consistent across state lines, Rhode Island has several weird regulations. They include:
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Give other drivers a courtesy beep when passing: To improve road safety and prevent collisions when overtaking, drivers should hoot at least once before going around the other vehicle. Besides using turn signals, drivers should also honk or hoot when making turns to alert other motorists and road users of their intentions.
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No horse racing on the highway: Racing a horse on any road or highway in Rhode Island is illegal. Additionally, it is unlawful to ride a horse on the road to test how fast it can run.
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Using ropes on a highway: It is illegal to string up ropes on any road or highway. The law protects motorists from any obstructions on the road.
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Carrying firearms in your car: The state does not require an individual to have a license or permit to carry a firearm in their vehicle. However, the gun must be unloaded, locked up, and inaccessible to passengers.
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Dogs in cars: The state requires drivers to properly restrain their pets in a secure crate when the car is on the road. It prevents the driver from getting distracted when driving.