CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina has the fourth-highest amount of fatal crashes during evening rush-hour traffic, according to a recent study from Kitchel Law. The study analyzed data from 2018 to 2022 on fatal crashes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and measured crash rates per 100,000 licensed driver s. Among all 50 states, North Carolina averaged 18.2 fatal evening rush-hour crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, the fourth-highest rate in the country. Top contributing factors to the high number of fatal crashes include distracted driving, fatigue, and a rush to get home. “Fatigue from a long day at work and the rush to beat traffic can lead to a lack of focus and road rage — two key ingredients for accidents,” a Kitchel Law spokesperson said. “We urge drivers to consider traveling during less congested times, stay hydrated, and take breaks by stepping out of the car for a few stretches to stay alert and reduce risk on the road.” From 2018-22, North Carolina experienced a five-year average of 250.6 fatal accidents. The worst year was 2021 when the Tar Heel state had 289 crashes. Below is a table of the top 10 states with the highest evening rush-hour crashes: RankStateAverage 5pm to 7pm Fatal Crash Rates (2018-2022)Licensed DriversFatal Evening Rush-Hour Crashes per 100,000 Licensed Drivers 1New York177.8513,83834.6 2Alabama150.4528,87328.4 3Virginia146.4543,05727.0 4North Carolina250.61,374,52918.2 5Arizona1802,097,2018.6 6Missouri154.61,968,9077.9 7Wisconsin90.61,177,1367.7 8New Jersey99.81,456,5006.9 9Indiana1342,143,6656.3 10Massachusetts59.61,011,3855.9 ...read more read less