PURPOSES : This study aims to draw differences between primary and secondary crashes by comparing crash characteristics and to identify the unique characteristics of secondary crashes for making better effective countermeasures to reduce secondary crashes. METHODS : The characteristics of secondary crashes were compared to those of primary crashes through a two sample proportional test (z-test). RESULTS : The results showed that vehicle-to-vehicle crashes and vehicle-to-person crashes are dominant crash types in secondary crashes. Compared to primary crashes, secondary crashes were likely to occur during nighttime. With respect to season and weather, the proportion of secondary crashes occurred during winter and in snowy weather is relatively higher than that of primary crashes. The main causes of primary crashes were found to be drowsiness, speeding, and exaggerated steering control, whereas main factors affecting the occurrence of secondary crashes were negligence of keeping eyes forward and no keeping a safe distance as expected. CONCLUSIONS : The characteristics affecting the occurrence of secondary crashes are different from those of primary crashes, indicating that proper countermeasures should be established to prevent the occurrence of secondary crashes on highways.