Enhanced Road Safety Statistics Reveal Drop in Collision Risks for 2025

According to the 2026 Motive AI Road Safety Report, which analyzed over 1.2 billion hours of AI-detected safety events across fleets in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the risk of crashes has notably decreased in 2025. However, the underlying dangers on the road persist.

Understanding the Data on Near-Collisions

The findings reveal a significant pattern: for every actual collision, there were seven near-collisions—instances where potential accidents were narrowly avoided. This indicates that fleets have improved their ability to recognize risks early and take preventive action.

Decline in Serious Crashes

Initial statistics show a drop in severe collisions in 2025, with incidents involving injuries, towing, and fatalities falling by 9.5%. Reported injuries also decreased by 7.7% compared to the previous year. This aligns with national traffic data, indicating an 8.2% decline in traffic-related deaths during the first half of 2025.

According to Hamish Woodrow, head of strategic analytics and data engineering at Motive, the primary advancement is not necessarily a reduction in traffic volume, but rather an increased visibility of risks. “AI technology enables fleet operators to identify unsafe behaviors sooner, providing them with the opportunity to coach drivers effectively and intervene before accidents occur,” he stated. “This represents a fundamental shift in how organizations address and manage risks.”

Identifying Continued Risks on the Road

Despite the overall decrease in collisions, certain risky behaviors and timeframes remain concerning. The data highlights the following:

• Late-Night Driving: The crash risk soars around 3 a.m., escalating to three times the risk compared to midday.
• Drowsy Driving: The likelihood of drowsy driving spikes between 6 and 7 a.m., warranting increased vigilance during these hours.
• Distractions: High levels of cell phone usage prevail in the late afternoon, coinciding with driver fatigue, heavy traffic, and increased delivery pressures. Instances of smoking while driving have also been reported thousands of times daily.
• Aggressive Driving: Speeding and erratic maneuvers, such as hard cornering and lane changes, are significantly more prevalent among drivers involved in accidents.

Moreover, the report indicates that risk levels fluctuate based on geographic location and industry dynamics. Driving habits in urban environments drastically differ from those in suburban or rural settings, and sectors like waste management and field services are notably more prone to collisions than long-haul trucking.

Proactive Approaches for Fleets in 2026

The report emphasizes a transformative approach to safety management. The focus is shifting from analyzing collisions post-event to proactively monitoring near-collision data, which serves as early warning signals for potential crashes. This proactive stance allows fleet operators to coach drivers and mitigate risks effectively.

“Using Motive’s dual-facing AI Dashcams has enabled us to enhance our safety strategies significantly,” shared Paul Fly, director of risk and safety at Ernst Concrete. “Previously, we focused on lagging indicators. By adopting a proactive safety approach, we have successfully reduced distracted driving and cell phone usage by 81% within just 13 months.”