Driving is a daily activity for most Americans. However, it is also a serious responsibility. Car accidents happen in a matter of seconds, and the results of these accidents can be fatal. Every year, thousands of lives are lost on American roads, and so many factors can be attributed to them.
Car accidents not only cause physical and emotional losses but also financial losses. A victim can secure compensation for all kinds of losses with the help of experienced car accident attorneys. These professionals are crucial in ensuring that victims are properly compensated for medical costs, loss of income, and other injuries incurred.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important car accident statistics that every driver needs to be aware of. Such figures are important because they remind us of the significance of driving safely and the risks we could expose ourselves to with any act of negligence on the road.
Fatalities Due to a Car Accident
The most sobering statistic is the number of fatalities resulting from car accidents each year. In 2020, there were 35,766 fatal car accidents across all roadways in the United States. Another 1,593,390 crashes resulted in injuries, and 3,621,681 caused property damage. That means a total of 5,250,837 collisions happened over the course of just one year.
Source: imagesource.ioCauses of Car Accidents
Some of the most significant car crash statistics in relation to the causes of collisions include:
- Drunk Driving
- Speeding
It is of great importance to take into account the causes of car accidents that lead to death since, in different types of accidents, the chances are higher that a particular one will cost someone their life.
Drunk driving and speeding were the two most common causes of fatal accidents, with 11,654 and 11,259 fatalities on the road, respectively, throughout the year 2020. Distracted drivers were also a leading cause of fatal collisions, with 2,974 fatal crashes attributed to drivers who failed to keep their focus on the roads.
Age and Car Accident Risk
While drivers of all ages can be involved in accidents, some age groups face higher risks. Car accidents are common among motorists and passengers under the age of 20. A total of 11% of all car accident fatalities in 2020 involved people within this age range, with 4,414 people under 20 dying in crashes during the course of that year. On the other hand, drivers over the age of 65 also face increased risks due to factors like diminished reflexes and vision impairments.
Source: fxquadro on FreepikDay and Time Patterns
The day and the days’ time of the week equally affect the probability of a car accident. It has been proven that the time of the day also determines the probability of a car crash. Nights are far riskier than daytime on the road. 35% of all fatal crashes happen from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Roadways are also deadlier on some days. In fact, just about half of all deadly car crashes happen over the course of the weekend, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Conclusion
The number of car accidents in the United States is really staggering, and they constantly remind us just how important it is to drive responsibly. By being aware of these statistics and taking proper proactive steps to improve road safety, we can contribute toward a safer driving environment for ourselves and others on the roads in America.
