SALEM, Rockingham County, N.H., Sept. 30, 2026 — A motor vehicle crash with injuries closed part of Interstate 93 southbound in Salem on Monday night, September 28.
The crash was reported around 8:15 p.m. near mile marker 1.6 on I-93 South, according to a traffic advisory. The advisory noted the collision involved injuries and urged drivers to use caution in the area.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. We wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Highway Crashes on Roads Like I-93
Many drivers assume that because most vehicles on the road are ordinary passenger cars, crashes involving them make up only a small slice of highway collisions. The numbers tell a different story once you look at how much of the driving those vehicles actually do.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. Because they account for nearly nine out of every ten miles driven, passenger cars and light trucks are involved in a large share of highway crashes simply due to how much time they spend on the road, not because they are unusually prone to causing collisions.
That distinction matters when people try to explain why a crash happened. A collision on an interstate is more often the product of speed, following distance, road conditions, or a moment of inattention than the type of vehicle involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Crashes are common on highways and interstates, where higher speeds and heavier traffic volumes increase the chances of a collision, as well as at intersections in urban and suburban areas.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Keeping a safe following distance, avoiding distractions, adjusting speed for weather and traffic conditions, and staying alert for sudden slowdowns all help drivers respond in time to avoid a crash.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, cuts and bruises, broken bones, and head or neck injuries are frequently reported after highway collisions, though severity varies widely depending on speed and impact.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distracted driving, speeding, following too closely, and impaired driving are among the leading factors cited in crash investigations nationwide.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Salem, NH
If you're involved in a crash on a highway like I-93, move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if needed.
Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from sudden impacts don't show symptoms right away. Exchange information with other drivers involved, and if state police or local authorities respond, ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report for your records.