Robeson County Ranks as North Carolina’s Deadliest Weekend Driving Hotspot – 28.57 Fatal Crashes per 100,000 Residents

ByBusines Newswire

You’re heading out on a Friday evening, maybe to visit family, attend a game, or enjoy a night with friends, when a routine drive suddenly becomes life-altering. While weekends are meant for rest and recreation, new data shows they are also the most dangerous time to be on the road in several North Carolina counties.

The research by personal injury law firm CR Legal Team analyzed data from the Federal Highway Administration’s CDAN system on fatal weekend crashes across North Carolina counties from 2019 to 2023. The average annual number of fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents was calculated to identify the counties where weekend driving is most dangerous.

Robeson leads the state with an annual average of 28.57 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents, which is 223% higher than the statewide average of 6.68. The county reported a population of 75,605, with fatalities peaking in 2021 at 26 crashes, and lowest in 2019 at 15 crashes.

Bladen ranks second, with an annual average of 23.47 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents, which is 251% higher than the statewide average of 6.68. The county reported a population of 23,863, with fatalities peaking in 2019 at 7 crashes, and lowest in 2020 at 3 crashes.

Granville ranks third, with an annual average of 17.45 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents, which is 161% higher than the statewide average of 6.68. The county reported a population of 34,390, with fatalities peaking in 2019 at 9 crashes, and lowest in 2022 at 3 crashes.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at CR Legal Team commented:

“The findings highlight that counties like Robeson, Bladen, and Granville face the greatest burden of fatal weekend crashes. Weekends present unique dangers, from increased traffic to higher rates of impaired driving.

These disparities across counties underscore the urgent need for stronger road safety measures, awareness campaigns, and preventive strategies to reduce avoidable fatalities on North Carolina roads.”

The Weekend Driving Risks That Could Save Your Life: Navigating North Carolina’s Most Dangerous Roads

Here’s your survival strategy when driving on weekends, especially in high-risk counties:

Recognize the Red Flags

  • Drivers drifting across lanes or over center lines

  • Sudden braking or erratic acceleration

  • Vehicles speeding well above posted limits

  • Cars lingering at stop signs or hesitating at intersections

  • Signs of impaired driving, such as wide turns or delayed reactions

If you notice these behaviors, create distance immediately and avoid engaging or passing aggressively

The Safe Distance Rule

  • Maintain at least a 4–5 second following distance on weekends

  • Increase spacing at night or during peak weekend hours (Friday evenings, late nights)

  • Avoid tailgating, even on rural or low-traffic roads

  • Slow down near intersections, bars, and event-heavy areas

The Weekend Night Protocol

  • Fatal weekend crashes peak during late evenings and overnight hours

  • Assume higher risk after dark due to impaired and fatigued drivers

  • Use high beams on rural roads when safe and legal

  • Reduce speed on two-lane highways where recovery space is limited

  • Plan routes in advance to avoid unfamiliar back roads late at night

If You’re Involved in a Serious Weekend Crash

  • Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately

  • Report the exact location, time, and road conditions

  • Document all vehicles, visible damage, skid marks, and surroundings

  • Collect witness contact information if available

  • Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent

  • Avoid discussing fault with other drivers or insurers before speaking with a personal injury attorney

Top 10 North Carolina Counties With the Highest Fatal Weekend Crash Rate

  1. Robeson – 28.57 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  2. Bladen – 23.47 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  3. Granville – 17.45 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  4. Montgomery – 16.53 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  5. Duplin – 16.49 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  6. Randolph – 14.75 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  7. Anson – 14.19 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  8. Cleveland – 13.62 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  9. Lee – 12.47 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

  10. Scotland – 12.36 fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents

The Safest County

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Hyde County recorded zero fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents, making it the safest county for weekend driving among those analyzed.

Top 10 North Carolina Counties With the Highest Fatal Weekend Crash Rates
North Carolina County Average Fatal Weekend Crashes 2019-2023 Average Fatal Weekend Crashes per 100,000 Residents Rank
Robeson 21.6 28.57 1
Bladen 5.6 23.47 2
Granville 6.0 17.45 3
Montgomery 3.4 16.53 4
Duplin 7.8 16.49 5
Randolph 11.2 14.75 6
Anson 2.4 14.19 7
Cleveland 7.6 13.62 8
Lee 4.6 12.47 9
Scotland 5.8 12.36 10

The study was conducted by CR Legal Team, dedicated to standing up for the rights of accident and injury victims. With a mission to guide clients through the challenges that follow life-altering events, the firm has helped thousands across the community pursue justice and move forward. 

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Federal Highway Administration’s CDAN system on fatal weekend crashes across North Carolina counties from 2019 to 2023. The average annual number of fatal weekend crashes per 100,000 residents was calculated to identify the counties where weekend driving is most dangerous.

Data Sources

  • Accident Data → https://cdan.dot.gov/query

Research Dataset → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1l90V1aZXLM8wlzpDEmKSb6ngK3mPBy6V8QvP4co3GNA/edit?gid=0#gid=0 

 

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