5 Critical Facts About Wilmington NC Accident Reports And 2025 Traffic Hotspots
Navigating the aftermath of a traffic incident in Wilmington, North Carolina, can be a complex process, but obtaining the official accident report is the first critical step. As of December 19, 2025, the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) maintain specific, streamlined procedures for accessing these vital documents. Whether you are an involved party, a personal injury attorney, or simply seeking public information, understanding the correct process for requesting a Crash Report (often referred to as a TR-3 form) is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
The city of Wilmington, a growing hub in New Hanover County, continues to grapple with increasing traffic volume, making up-to-date accident statistics and report access procedures more important than ever. This guide provides the most current information on how to secure your report, what it costs, and highlights the latest traffic crash statistics and the city’s most dangerous intersections.
Wilmington NC Traffic Crash Statistics: 2023–2025 Snapshot
Recent data underscores the persistent challenge of traffic safety in Wilmington. The city's growth directly correlates with a rise in the number of reported traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Understanding these statistics is key to recognizing the areas of highest risk and the overall accident landscape in the region.
Key Wilmington Accident Data Points
- Total Crashes (2023): Wilmington reported 3,765 total traffic crashes in 2023.
- Fatalities (2024): The Wilmington Police Department’s annual crime statistics report noted 17 fatal traffic accidents in 2024.
- Vulnerable Road Users (2023): Pedestrian and bicycle safety remains a critical concern, with 45 pedestrian accidents and 39 bicycle accidents reported in 2023.
- 2025 Trend: Early 2025 data indicates a continued risk for vulnerable road users, with at least three fatal crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists reported as of the beginning of the year.
To address the high volume of incidents, the Wilmington Police Department employs a dedicated team of six Civilian Crash Investigators who specialize in accident reconstruction and detailed reporting. This specialized approach ensures that complex collision reports are handled accurately and efficiently.
The 4-Step Guide to Obtaining Your Wilmington Accident Report
The process for securing an official accident report in Wilmington, NC, depends on which law enforcement agency investigated the crash—the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The report, officially known as a North Carolina Traffic Crash Report (Form TR-3), is typically available a few days after the incident occurs.
Step 1: Check the WPD Police to Citizen (P2C) Portal
The fastest initial check is through the WPD’s online portal. This system allows you to search for and often print the front page (redacted version) of your incident or accident report at no cost. This is the essential first step to confirm the report has been completed and is ready for release.
- Action: Search for the report on the Wilmington Police Department's Police to Citizen (P2C) website.
- Benefit: You can verify the report’s existence and print the initial summary without delay.
Step 2: Order the Official NCDMV Crash Report Online
For the official, certified copy of the North Carolina Traffic Crash Report (TR-3), you will typically go through the state system, regardless of which agency filed the report. The NCDMV uses an online service for ordering reports.
- Action: Use the official NCDMV service (often through the PayIt platform) to order the report online.
- Cost: The current fee for an official NCDMV Crash Report is $6.50. This fee is subject to change and is payable to the NCDMV.
Step 3: Request an Unredacted WPD Report In-Person or By Mail
If you require an unredacted copy of a report investigated by the Wilmington Police Department for legal or insurance purposes, you may need to request it directly from the WPD Records Division.
- In-Person: Visit the Wilmington Police Department Records Division at 615 Bess St. You must present a valid ID.
- By Mail: Mail a notarized request form (Request for Unredacted Crash Reports) along with a photocopy of your driver's license to the WPD.
Access to unredacted reports is governed by state and federal laws, such as the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which restricts who can receive personal information contained in the reports.
Step 4: Check for New Hanover County Sheriff’s Reports
If the accident occurred outside of the Wilmington city limits but within New Hanover County, the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office may have investigated the crash. Their records can also be searched via their own Police to Citizen (P2C) system or by contacting their office directly.
Wilmington’s Most Dangerous Intersections (Traffic Hotspots)
While accidents can occur anywhere, certain intersections in Wilmington consistently see a higher volume of traffic crashes due to congestion, complex lane configurations, and high traffic flow. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution in these high-risk areas, which are frequently cited in reports and by local personal injury attorneys.
Top High-Crash Locations in Wilmington, NC
Based on recent crash data, the following areas represent some of the most hazardous traffic hotspots in the Wilmington area:
- College Road and New Center Drive: This intersection is statistically one of the most hazardous in the region, having recorded a staggering 171 crashes in a recent analysis period. The combination of heavy commercial traffic and complex turning movements contributes to the high collision rate.
- College Road (General Stretch): The entire stretch of College Road is noted as inherently hazardous due to its high volume of traffic and numerous access points to businesses and residential areas.
- South College Road and Randall Parkway: As a major thoroughfare for both University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) traffic and general commuters, the intersection of South College Road and Randall Parkway is consistently cited as a major accident location.
- Oleander Drive: This major road, particularly near shopping centers, is known for frequent rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes due to heavy congestion and distracted driving.
- Market Street: As a primary east-west route, Market Street experiences a high number of crashes, especially at intersections with major cross-streets.
Being aware of these dangerous roads and intersections is the first step in defensive driving. Local initiatives and the work of the Civilian Crash Investigators are continuously aimed at identifying and mitigating the risks at these specific locations to improve public safety.
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