Report: Serious crashes level off, but threats persist
Serious crashes are stabilizing but persistent and emerging road safety threats remain, according to Lytx’s 2026 Road Safety Report.
The analysis, drawn from more than 341 billion miles of driving data, delivers a “compelling” look at national collision trends, reveals the most pressing driving risks fleets face today, and arms industry leaders with advanced strategies to combat evolving challenges, Lytx said.
“The 2026 Road Safety Report spotlights not only the significant victories we’ve secured but also the formidable risks that persist,” Lytx CEO Chris Cabrera said in a news release. “As we reflect on this year’s findings, I urge everyone in the fleet and transportation community to recognize the life-saving power of collective action and the impact we can make.
“By harnessing data and driving change through technology, we can help deliver on our shared goal of bringing every driver home safely.”
The 2026 report marks a “pivotal moment” for road safety, Lytx maintained. Collision rates have begun to level off, rising just 4% in 2025, highlighting a noticeable shift after the post-pandemic surges. Most importantly, the rate of severe crashes per mile fell by 4%, and moderately severe collisions plummeted by a substantial 41%. The National Safety Council’s estimates reinforce this progress, noting a 12% reduction in motor vehicle fatalities in 2025, despite Americans driving a record number of miles.
Yet the data issues a stark warning: less severe crashes are climbing at an alarming pace, with minor collisions up 5% and low-severity incidents increasing by 16%. The construction sector is faced with a 28% year-over-year spike in overall collisions, signaling an urgent need for industry-wide interventions.
Report findings include:
- Near collisions dropped 23% from last year’s all-time high
- Coaching efforts on device use surged 40%, reflecting intensified focus on distraction reduction
- The top four riskiest U.S. roadways are concentrated near major airports, amplifying urban hazards
- July remains the deadliest month for drivers, underscoring seasonal risk patterns
The full version of the Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report offers a deep dive into:
- Industry-specific collision and near-miss data
- Emerging risky driving behaviors and national trends
- The most dangerous states, metro areas, and roadways for U.S. drivers
- The highest risk days and times to be on the road
- Insights into driver coaching programs and actionable steps to reduce fleet risk