Rear-End Collisions in the U.S.: The Most Common Crash Type, by the Numbers

Road Safety Insight

⚠️ Rear-end collisions are ~41% of two-vehicle crashes and 28.4% of all crashes in 2022 [NHTSA 2022].

“Even at low speeds, a sudden jolt from behind can cause long-term neck and spine injuries.”

1.69M

Rear-end crashes (all severities) in 2022
source

2,817

Fatal rear-end crashes (2022)
NSC/III (from NHTSA)

42,514

Total traffic deaths (all types) in 2022
NHTSA overview

$340B

Economic cost of crashes (2019 est.)
NHTSA

Key Takeaway

Looking away for 5 seconds at 55 mph = driving a football field blind — a prime driver of rear-end crashes. [NHTSA] Teens are the largest age group reported as distracted in fatal crashes [NHTSA advisory].

Why Do Rear-End Crashes Happen?

📱 Distracted driving (texting, GPS, calls, eating) — key factor behind many rear-ends. source
🚗💨 Tailgating & speeding — shorten reaction time; amplify severity. (See NHTSA 2022 crash tables) source
😴 Driver fatigue — slower reflexes, lapses in attention. (NHTSA drowsy/distracted overviews)
🌧️ Weather — rain, fog, ice increase stopping distance & reduce visibility.

All Crashes (2022)

Rear-End Share

Rear-ends = 28.4% of all police-reported crashes.

NHTSA Table (First Harmful Event / Manner of Collision)

Two-Vehicle Collisions

Rear-End = ~41%

Rear-ends comprised ~1.686M of 4.101M two-vehicle collisions (≈41%).

NHTSA Table 29 / Subtotal

Technology That Reduces Rear-Ends

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Rear-end crash rates ↓ ~40%+ in pickups with AEB. IIHS

AEB & FCW in Trucks

41–44% rear-end crash reduction in large trucks with FCW/AEB. USDOT ITS JPO

Front Crash Prevention (2025)

Most new systems now prevent/mitigate higher-speed crashes. IIHS 2025

Steps to Prevent Rear-End Collisions

① Keep Distance

3 seconds in clear weather; 6+ in rain/fog; 8+ behind trucks/buses.

② Eyes Up

Phone on Do-Not-Disturb; set GPS before departure NHTSA.

③ Smooth Speed

Anticipate braking; scan 2 vehicles ahead; avoid tailgating.

④ Rest & Weather

Don’t drive drowsy; slow down in rain/fog/ice.

If You’re Hit From Behind: Quick Checklist

Move to a safe area; switch on hazards.
Call 911; get a medical check even if you feel fine (symptoms can be delayed).
Document the scene (photos, dashcam, witnesses).
Exchange info; inform your insurer promptly.

❌ Myth

“Rear-end crashes at low speed are harmless.”

✅ Fact

Even low-speed impacts can cause whiplash, back, and head injuries with delayed symptoms.

For Fleets

Dashcams & telematics, AEB spec in procurement, defensive driving refreshers, zero-tolerance phone policy, rewards for safe behavior.

Buying Safer Vehicles

Check NHTSA 5-Star Ratings; look for AEB/FCW, adaptive cruise, and good IIHS front-crash prevention results.

Bottom Line

Rear-end collisions are common but preventable. With alert driving, safe spacing, and modern crash-prevention tech, we can cut injuries and costs — one decision at a time.

Sources