ZIP 28622 (Elk Park, NC) truck route planning & crash data
Plan safer truck routes around ZIP 28622: commercial truck and garbage truck crashes here and in Avery County, dangerous roads, seasonality and route safety data for fleets.
Where fatal truck crashes happened
Risk scorecard
Key findings
Snapshot
Crashes by month
Garbage trucks vs all trucks
1 of 116 truck crashes since 2015.
Deadliest roads
How Avery County compares with North Carolina
Avery County against North Carolina and the US, 2015–2025 (years with complete crash reporting). Per-resident rates make big and small places comparable.
Where Avery County stands out
Full comparison
| Measure (2015–2025) | Avery County | North Carolina | United States | vs state |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crashes per 100k residents / yr | 56.1 | 61.3 | 49.7 | 8% below the state |
| Deaths per 100 crashes | 0.9 | 2.5 | 3.4 | 64% below the state |
| Injuries per crash | 0.64 | 0.66 | 0.49 | same |
| Garbage-truck share | 0.9% | 2.6% | 2.3% | 65% below the state |
| On snow, slush or ice | 10.0% | 1.7% | 6.2% | 5.8× the state |
| Morning rush (6–10 am) | 24.6% | 24.0% | 23.7% | same |
| In rain, sleet or snow | 15.4% | 10.5% | 13.8% | 1.5× the state |
| Winter months (Nov–Mar) | 46.4% | 41.0% | 41.9% | 1.1× the state |
| After dark | 13.6% | 20.4% | 24.8% | 33% below the state |
Avery County has lower values than North Carolina for crashes per 100k residents / yr, deaths per 100 crashes and garbage-truck share. Where it is higher: on snow, slush or ice, in rain, sleet or snow and winter months (nov–mar).
The headline for Avery County: 10.0% on snowy, slushy or icy roads, against 1.7% across North Carolina.
Overview
Avery County has recorded 116 truck crashes since 2015, with 73 people injured and 1 killed.
That averages about one truck crash every 36 days in fully reported years.
When crashes happen
January has the most truck crashes, 14.7% of the yearly total, while December has the fewest (4.3%).
November through March accounts for 46.4% of truck crashes here, compared with 41.0% in North Carolina.
By time of day, 2–3 pm stands out with 12.9% of truck crashes.
Snow, slush or ice was on the road in 10.0% of truck crashes, compared with 1.7% in North Carolina.
Where crashes happen
The deadliest road for trucks within 10 miles of ZIP 28622 is US-19E, with 3 fatal large-truck crashes since 2015. It is followed by CR-BUCK Mountain Rd (1) and SR-194 (1).
Garbage & waste trucks
Garbage trucks account for 1 of the truck crashes here, or 0.9%, compared with 2.6% in North Carolina.
Route planning tips for ZIP 28622 fleets
- Build extra time into January routes: it has the most truck crashes here.
- Where you can, review stops along US-19E; it has the most fatal large-truck crashes nearby.
- With 10.0% of truck crashes on snow, slush or ice (above North Carolina), plan winter equipment checks early.
- Use the free Route Planner to score your route and spot low bridges before drivers head out.
About the data
This report uses the FMCSA crash file (reported crashes of trucks over 10,000 lb) and NHTSA FARS (fatal crashes). It reports the numbers without guessing at reasons.
Truck crashes by year: all trucks vs garbage trucks
Seasonality: when trucks crash in Avery County
By hour of day
Most dangerous roads for trucks
| Road | Fatal truck crashes since 2015 (within 10 miles) |
|---|---|
| US-19E | 3 |
| CR-BUCK Mountain Rd | 1 |
| SR-194 | 1 |
Roads named most in all truck crash reports
| Road | Truck crashes since 2015 (Avery County) |
|---|---|
| Branch Water | 1 |
| Crossnore Elementary | 1 |
| Freds General Merchant | 1 |
| Hpp | 1 |
| Linville Fd | 1 |
| Nc 194 | 1 |
| Nc 194 B | 1 |
| Old Mortimer | 1 |
ZIP 28622 at a glance
| Population | 2,565 |
| Density | 33 per sq mi |
| Median household income | $44,028 |
| Median home value | $190,321 |
| Home ownership | 73% |
Waste facilities and haulers nearby
Historical data: truck crashes in Avery County since the 1990s
Combines the FMCSA crash file (all reported truck crashes, real coverage from about 1990) with NHTSA FARS (fatal crashes involving a large truck, 1982–2024).
| Decade | Truck crashes / yr | Change | Fatal crashes / yr (FARS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 | — | 0.3 |
| 2000s | 6 | -3% | 0.3 |
| 2010s | 9 | +60% | 0.1 |
| 2020s | 12 | +25% | 0.0 |
Reported truck crashes averaged 6 a year in the 1990s and 12 a year in the 2020s. Reporting practices changed over time, so part of any change can come from reporting.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions fleets ask about ZIP 28622
How many truck crashes happen in ZIP 28622?
Since 2015, 116 crashes involving commercial trucks were reported in Avery County (73 injured, 1 killed).
Which road has the most fatal truck crashes in ZIP 28622?
US-19E had 3 fatal crashes involving a large truck within 10 miles of ZIP 28622 since 2015, more than any other road.
When do most truck crashes happen in ZIP 28622?
January has the most truck crashes in Avery County, 14.7% of the yearly total.
Are garbage truck crashes common in ZIP 28622?
Since 2015, Avery County has reported 1 garbage-truck crash, or 0.9% of its truck crashes.
What is the truck crash rate in ZIP 28622 compared with North Carolina?
Per 100,000 residents, Avery County has 56.1 truck crashes a year; North Carolina has 61.3.
How do I plan a garbage truck route in ZIP 28622?
Use the free Route Planner: enter your stops to get a risk score, safer alternatives and the low bridges on your route.
2026 is a partial year. Updated October 2026.