Lytx Inc. has released its 2025 Road Safety Report (previously called “State of Data”), which analyzed over 300 billion miles of driving data to reveal critical insights on road safety. 

This year’s report notes that collision rates have been rising since 2023.  While industry-wide collisions have increased 24%, severity and risky driving behaviors have decreased. 

Key Highlights Include:

Collision Rates and Severity

1. Despite a 24% increase in industry-wide collision rates per vehicle from Q3 2023 through Q4 2024, Lytx’s data shows a significant reduction in the more severe collision levels compared to 2023.  

   • Level 1 (highest severity) collisions decreased 6%, while Level 2 (moderate severity) collisions dropped by 59%, demonstrating improved driver safety through proactive coaching and technology.  

   • Also contributing to the drop in severity is a 4% reduction in overall risky behavior in 2024 among drivers equipped with Lytx technology.

Near Collisions

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

Risky Driving Behaviors

Following too close, using a handheld device, not wearing a seat belt, 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 seat belt (-13%)

• Handheld device (-9%) 

Following Distance

Following distance (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. 

The Impact of Weather

Driving “too fast for conditions” made drivers 4x 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 2.8x.

• Due to unfavorable weather conditions, winter carries double the risk for collisions compared to other seasons.

  • Fuel Efficiency and Speeding: In 2024, Lytx clients showed an 8.7% reduction in time spent speeding per vehicle, which helped fleets decrease fuel costs.

  • Sustainability Impact: By driving more efficiently, Lytx clients saved an estimated $22 million in fuel in 2024 and prevented 110 million pounds of CO2 emissions. (These figures are based on the 2024 average $3.76 per gallon of diesel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and fuel saved through client reduction in unnecessary idling in 2024.)

  • Customer Impact: In 2024, Lytx fleet customers achieved several milestones, including: 

    • Saved an estimated $1.8 billion on claims costs, including workers' compensation and insurance claims. 

    • Realized an estimated $521 million in savings on vehicle maintenance. (Both figures are based on fuel saved through client reduction in unnecessary idling in 2024.)

Riskiest Days and Times to Drive + Holiday Insights

• Tuesdays were the riskiest days to drive in the U.S. in 2024. Sundays are the safest.

• Mid-week driving carries the most driving risk, while weekend driving is the safest.

• Risks were elevated between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., peaking at 2 p.m.

• New Year’s Eve was 2024’s riskiest day (and holiday) to drive in the U.S.

• Christmas Day (2023’s riskiest day and holiday to drive) was a close second.

• Overall, there was a 12% increase in collisions on major U.S. holidays compared to the same day of the week across the rest of the year.

Top 10 Risky Driving Behaviors

1. Following distance (1-2 seconds from vehicle ahead)

2. Handheld device

3. No seat belt

4. Posted speed violation

5. Following distance (1 second or less from vehicle ahead)

6. Incomplete stop

7. Food or drink

8. Driver unbelted (roadway)

9. Failed to stop

10. Inattentive

Top 5 Riskiest States for Driving

Top 5 Riskiest U.S. Cities/Districts for Driving

“The Lytx 2025 Road Safety Report is a powerful reminder that as our roads continue to see increased volumes of traffic, the nature of risk is evolving. What this data makes clear is that better understanding and proactive management of these new patterns of risk is critical. At Together for Safer Roads, we believe insights like these are key to shaping smarter, more responsive safety strategies for fleets, cities, and policymakers alike.” said Peter Goldwasser, Executive Director at Together for Safer Roads, according to a recent press release. 

You can find the complete report here.