U.S. car accident statistics reveal that motor vehicle injuries and fatalities are a serious problem in our county. Car collisions leave tens of thousands of people dead and millions injured each year.
Today, we are taking a deep dive into the startling statistics that plague United States roads.
Annual Car Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. More than 38,000 people lost their lives to car crashes in 2019 alone, and an average of 100 people die in car accidents every day.
Annually, there are about 6 million car accidents on U.S. roads. 3 million people are injured from these accidents, and around 2 million drivers experience permanent injuries. It is no surprise that the United States’ traffic fatality rate is about 50 percent higher than similar nations in Western Europe, plus Canada, Australia, and Japan.
Fatality Rate of Automobile Accidents
Nationally, car crashes currently hold about a 6 percent fatality rate. 27 percent of accidents result in non-fatal injuries, and 72 percent of all accidents involve property damage.
Most Common Causes
Automobile accidents are a serious problem in the United States, but why? Here are five of the most common reasons they occur:
- Distracted Driving – Despite popular opinion, the brain is not hardwired to focus on more than one task at a time. This means that while drivers are texting, talking, eating, grooming, reading, changing music, or looking at a GPS, their brain is not consistently focused on the road and its surroundings.
- Drunk Driving – Around 29 deaths per day are a product of drunk driving, and the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion.
- Speeding – A large number of accidents are attributed to speeding. These accidents can cause death or serious injury, including whiplash and concussions.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs – Reckless driving, such as running red lights or failing to brake fully at stop signs, causes hundreds of accidents every day.
- Weather Conditions – Slippery roads from rain, snow, or ice can be a serious driving hazard. As tire traction diminishes, cars slide off the road or hit into other vehicles. Fog and wind also contribute to weather-related accidents.
10 States with the Most Accidents
2020 is not over, but as far as U.S. car accident statistics currently stand, these are ten states with the most motor vehicle crashes this year:
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Maryland
- Rhode Island
- New Hampshire
- South Carolina
- Ohio
- Nebraska
- Utah
- Oregon
Car Accidents in Utah
Utah is currently one of the leading states for motor vehicle collisions. According to 2018 information from the Utah Department of Public Safety:
- A motor vehicle crash occurred around every 8.5 minutes.
- A person was injured in a crash every 20.5 minutes.
- A person died in a crash every 33.7 hours.
Choose Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks After an Accident
U.S. car accident statistics show that motor vehicle injuries and fatalities occur in high numbers every single day. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks is here to assist you. Our automobile accident attorneys have spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens and can help you handle the aftermath of your case.
We have offices in Provo and South Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today.