Uncovering Hidden Trends In Car Accident Statistics: What the Data Reveals
Despite several types of awareness campaigns and safety regulations, car accidents are still common in the U.S. Learning about the recent trends in car accidents can help you understand how to keep yourself safe on the road and engage in positive driving habits.
What Factors Contribute the Most to Car Accidents?
The following factors contribute to car accidents.
Inclement Weather
One of the factors that significantly contributes to car accidents is poor weather conditions. Weather-related car accidents result in far more deaths than natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports 21% of car accidents result from inclement weather conditions.
Intoxication
DUIs account for 35% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the country. These accidents are more frequent at night as compared to daytime. DUI is one of the primary reasons behind single-vehicle accidents as well.
Driver Distraction
Another contributing factor to road accidents is driver distraction. Engaging in activities such as eating, drinking, or using cell phones can lead to serious accidents. In 2021, more than 3,000 people lost their lives in accidents involving distracted drivers in the United States.
Speeding
Speeding can lead to some of the most catastrophic traffic collisions, resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities. Speeding is the leading cause of 29% of total severe traffic collisions.
When Do Most Car Crashes Occur?
Around 35% of all car accidents occur between 6 pm and midnight, making nighttime driving much riskier. Furthermore, most drunk driving accidents occur after 6 pm. Road accidents are also more common during the weekends, on national holidays, and during peak travel days. For example, hundreds of road accidents occur on September 3rd, making it one of the deadliest days of the year. Another dangerous day to drive is July 4th as people celebrate Independence Day.
Increase In Road Accidents
Even during the pandemic, the NHTSA (National Highways Traffic Safety Administration) reported that despite a fewer number of vehicles on the road, car accidents drastically increased, and the number of fatalities increased by a total of 7.2% from 2019. Unfortunately, traffic accidents continued to spike, resulting in a 20% increase in 2021—one of the biggest increases in road fatalities in history. Such fatal crashes typically occurred at intersections.
Who Is At Risk of Being Involved In Car Accidents
Although both women and men can be killed or hurt in road accidents, research shows that men are more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents. Men are also more frequently injured in traffic collisions. For example, in 2020, more than 1.1 million males suffered injuries in traffic collisions, which is significantly higher than the number of females injured in a crash. Age can also play a role. Teen drivers are the most likely to cause accidents, while adults over the age of 30 are generally the safest drivers.
If you’ve been in an accident and need medical or legal services, go to 1800injured.com. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service.
