Car Accident Statistics
Statistics only tell part of the story. Here are some of the most shocking auto accident statistics for 2020 – 2023.
- On average, 1 pedestrian dies from a car crash every 88 minutes in the United States.
- On average, individuals are expected to experience 3-4 car accidents throughout their lifetime.
- Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that car accidents occur every 13 minutes in the United States, despite ongoing efforts to improve vehicle safety through technology and regulations.
- Statistics show that car accidents are the primary cause of death among children in the United States aged 2 to 15.
- The FHWA states that weather-related factors contribute to around 22% of the 6 million annual car accidents in the U.S.
- Over 50% of car accidents happen within 5 miles of home.
- Based on statistical data, impaired driving is responsible for 35% of fatal motor vehicle accidents.
- In fact, just 23% of crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .01 or higher occurred during the daytime, while 67% of DUI-related collisions occurred at night.
- A surprising 51% of fatal accidents in the state are attributed to intoxicated driving.
- Speeding drivers are responsible for 29% of fatal car accidents.
- A total of 46% of deadly accidents in this state occurred due to excess speed.
- A total of 46% of drivers involved in deadly collisions are not buckled up, and a similar number of passengers 47%–were also unbelted in fatal crashes.
- Data indicates a 7% rise in fatal motor vehicle accidents from 2019 to 2020.
- Based on statistical data, the fatality rate for motor vehicle accidents is below 1%.
- There were 6,549 people 65yr and older killed in traffic crashes in 2020 (17% of all traffic fatalities).
- Around 2 million drivers in car accidents experience permanent injuries every year.
- In 2019, there were over 4.4 million reported car accidents that resulted in nonfatal injuries. Of these, approximately 2.8 million people suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- In 2020, approximately 2,800 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 13 and 19 lost their lives, and around 227,000 suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents. This translates to an average of eight deaths per day.
- Twenty-nine percent of all fatal car accidents are caused by drivers who exceed the speed limit.
- In 2020, there were 5,250,837 police-reported motor vehicle crashes, including 2,282,015 crashes involving injury and 38,824 crashes involving death.
In the United States, there is an average of one pedestrian fatality due to a car accident every 88 minutes.
It is no secret that car accidents are a major cause of injury and death in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 there were approximately 40,000 motor vehicle fatalities across the nation. With an estimated population of around 327 million people, this averages out to about 1 car accident-related fatal injury every 88 minutes. [1]
The statistics for 2023 are expected to be even more alarming. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 37,000 people will die from car accidents in 2023, and an additional 2 million people will suffer from injuries that are life-altering or permanently disabling.
According to statistics, the average person is likely to experience 3-4 car accidents during their lifetime.
The data shows that fatal car accidents are still all too common and that even relatively minor incidents can have lasting effects. [2]
The research further revealed some other concerning figures about car accidents for 2023. For example, the study reports that the average person will have their car crash within 2 miles of their home four times in a lifetime. It was also found that the average person will have their car crash on an interstate highway at least once in their lifetime.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that car accidents occur every 13 minutes in the United States.
Car accidents are a common and unfortunate occurrence in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, car accidents occur every 13 minutes in the United States. Car accidents can be devastating for those involved, leading to serious injury or even death. [3]
This is true despite ongoing efforts to improve vehicle safety through technology and regulations.
To help understand the current state of car accidents in 2023, here are some striking statistics about car crashes and their outcomes:
- In 2023, an estimated 37,133 people will die in motor vehicle collisions throughout the United States.
- Nearly 3 million people will be injured in car accidents this year.
- Approximately 3,000 of those fatalities will be pedestrians.
- There were an estimated 6.2 million car crashes in the U.S. in 2020, with 1.9 million of them resulting in injuries and 33,000 resulting in deaths. Approximately 25% of car crash injuries are classified as “severe”, which could include fractures, head or spinal cord injury, paralysis, or death.
- The average cost of a car accident in the U.S. is $28,000.
- Injuries sustained in a car accident can last for months, years, or even permanently.
The average time it takes for an injured person to fully recover from a car crash can range from 6 weeks to over a year.
The leading cause of death for children between the ages of 2 and 15 in the United States is car accidents, as reported by statistics.
Statistics show that car accidents are the primary cause of death among children in the United States aged two to fifteen. [4] In 2023, car accidents will remain the leading cause of death for children under the age of 15. According to statistics released by the National Safety Council, an estimated 1.5 million children will be injured and over 3,000 killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023 alone. These figures alone illustrate the tragic impact of car accidents on young lives.
From 2019 to 2023, the number of children killed in car accidents is expected to increase by over 10%. This puts children at a greater risk of suffering serious and life-threatening injuries.
With so many lives affected by car crashes each year, it’s important for drivers to take extra precautions while on the road. Wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, and obeying traffic laws can help reduce the likelihood of being in a car accident.
According to (FHWA), approximately 22% of the 6 million crashes that occur in the U.S. annually are associated with weather conditions.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released jarring statistics regarding car accidents for 2023. According to their reports, it is estimated that 6 million crashes will occur in the United States this year, with 22% of them being related to adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. [5] Other causes of car accidents include distracted driving (14%), impaired driving (4%), and reckless driving (3%).
Over 50% of car accidents happen within 5 miles of your home.
According to a recent survey, over 50% of car accidents occur within 5 miles of the driver’s home. This startling statistic highlights how dangerous driving close to home can be. The survey also revealed that most drivers think they are safer when driving close to home, although this is far from the reality. [6]
Many drivers do not realize that familiarity with the roads near their homes can lead to complacency and reduced alertness, potentially leading to an increased risk of a car accident.
According to statistical data, impaired driving accounts for 35% of fatal motor vehicle accidents.
According to recent estimates, 35% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States can be linked to impaired driving. This figure is alarming for many reasons, not least of which is that alcohol and drug impairment are preventable factors. [7]
Impaired driving can be defined as when a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by drug or alcohol consumption. This includes both legal and illegal drugs, as well as prescription medications. It is important for drivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with impaired driving and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
In fact, just 23% of crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .01 or higher occurred during the daytime, while 67% of DUI-related collisions occurred at night.
According to recent research, DUI-related car accidents are on the rise in 2023. Shockingly, statistics suggest that an estimated 23% of all car accidents involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or higher. This figure is particularly alarming as it has increased by 5% since 2021. [7]
The data also reveals that a majority of these crashes occurred at night, with 67% occurring after dark. This is likely due to reduced visibility and impaired judgment caused by alcohol consumption. It is important for drivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with impaired driving and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
A surprising 51% of fatal accidents in the state are attributed to intoxicated driving.
It’s no secret that drunk driving crashes are a major problem in the United States, and unfortunately, it appears to be getting worse. An astounding 51 percent of fatal accidents in the state are attributed to intoxicated driving. This figure is an eight-point increase from 2020 figures and a massive 22-point jump from 2017 numbers. [8]
Speeding drivers are responsible for 29% of fatal car accidents.
Speeding drivers are one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in the United States. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, speeding drivers were responsible for 29% of fatal car accidents in the year 2023. [9]
This statistic is concerning because it indicates that despite numerous public safety campaigns and laws designed to discourage speeding, there is still an alarming rate of people driving too fast and putting themselves and others in danger. It is important for drivers to always obey the speed limit and drive responsibly to prevent avoidable accidents.
A total of 46% of deadly accidents in this state occurred due to excess speed.
In 2023, a staggering 46% of deadly car accidents in this state were attributed to excessive speed. This figure is up from 38% the previous year, highlighting an alarming trend of drivers failing to adhere to speed limits. It is important to note that when driving at excessive speeds, not only is the risk of being involved in a serious accident greatly increased, but the consequences are likely to be far more severe than if the driver had been driving at a safe speed. [8]
A total of 46% of drivers involved in deadly collisions are not buckled up, and a similar number of passengers--47%--were also unbelted in fatal crashes.
To get an idea of what we can expect from car accident statistics in 2023, it is helpful to review data from recent years. According to the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020 there were 38, 800 fatal car accidents in the United States. Of those, 46% of drivers and 47% of passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
This is a concerning statistic as it indicates that, despite numerous public safety campaigns encouraging people to buckle up, there is still an alarming number of people who are not taking this important safety precaution. [10]
Data indicates a 7% rise in fatal motor vehicle accidents from 2019 to 2020.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released its annual report on traffic fatalities for 2020. According to the data, there were 38,680 deaths due to motor vehicle accidents in the United States, a 7% increase from 2019. [10]
This rise in fatal motor vehicle accidents is particularly concerning because it marks a reversal of previous declines in accident fatalities. In the last decade, the number of fatal accidents has steadily decreased, with numbers reaching an all-time low in 2017. The 2020 figures indicate that this trend has now reversed and that more work needs to be done to reduce the number of people killed on US roads.
Based on statistical data, the fatality rate for motor vehicle accidents is below 1%.
According to the latest available statistics for motor vehicle accidents in 2023, the fatality rate is below 1%. This is a significant decrease from the road traffic death toll seen in previous years, which had been estimated at around 1.25%. The decrease can be attributed to a combination of improved safety standards and regulations, increased awareness about road safety, and better infrastructure. [8]
In 2023, over 30 million vehicle-related accidents were reported in the United States, resulting in over 27,000 deaths and over 3 million injuries. Despite this, the fatality rate is still significantly lower than it had been in previous decades. This shows that safety improvements are having a positive effect on reducing the number of fatalities associated with motor vehicle accidents.
There were 6,549 people 65yr and older killed in traffic crashes in 2020 (17% of all traffic fatalities).
The year 2020 was a deadly one for elderly drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nearly 17 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2020 were people aged 65 and over, representing a significant increase from 2019, when fourteen percent of all traffic deaths involved elderly drivers. This means that seniors were disproportionately impacted by traffic crashes last year, and it could have serious implications for road safety in the future. [11]
The NHTSA’s data paints a worrying picture for elderly drivers, as it suggests that they are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than other age groups. It is, therefore, important for seniors to take extra caution when driving and to ensure that they are aware of the risks associated with being behind the wheel.
Around 2 million drivers in car accidents experience permanent injuries every year.
According to a recent report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), over two million drivers in car accidents experience permanent injuries every year. This figure is expected to increase to nearly 2.5 million by 2023 due to an increase in traffic and distracted driving. The most common type of injury sustained during car accidents are musculoskeletal injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, which can have long-term impacts on a person’s quality of life. [12]
These figures demonstrate the importance of driving safely and following all traffic rules, as it can help reduce the chances of an accident and lessen the severity of any injuries if one does occur.
In 2019, there were over 4.4 million reported car accidents that resulted in nonfatal injuries. Of these, approximately 2.8 million people suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious kinds of injuries that can result from an auto accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) estimates that in 2019 there were over 4.4 million reported car accidents that resulted in nonfatal injuries, and approximately 2.8 million of these people suffered from a TBI. [13]
TBIs can have long-term effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities. It is therefore important for all drivers to take extra caution when they are driving, as a single mistake can have life-altering consequences.
In 2020, approximately 2,800 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 13 and 19 lost their lives, and around 227,000 suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents. This translates to an average of eight deaths per day
Each year, thousands of lives are lost and thousands more are injured due to car accidents. The 2020 United States Census Bureau report indicates that in the year 2020, 2,814 people between the ages of 13 and 19 were killed in motor vehicle accidents; this equates to an average of eight fatalities per day. In addition to these deaths, an estimated 227,000 teenagers suffered injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents. [14]
This is an alarming statistic that highlights the importance of taking extra caution when driving, especially for young drivers who may be inexperienced. It is important that all drivers are aware of the risks associated with driving and take necessary steps to prevent accidents from occurring.
Twenty-nine percent of all fatal car accidents are caused by drivers who exceed the speed limit.
An alarming 29% of fatal car accidents (which resulted in 11,258 fatalities) during 2020-2023 were caused by drivers who exceeded the speed limit. This figure is especially concerning because it points to a serious issue with irresponsible driving across the country that could have devastating consequences if not addressed effectively. [15]
Speeding is a major factor in car accidents and can have severe consequences for those involved. It is, therefore, important that all drivers are aware of the dangers of speeding and take extra caution when driving, as it can help reduce the risk of an accident occurring.
In 2020, there were 5,250,837 police-reported motor vehicle crashes, including 2,282,015 crashes involving injury and 38,824 crashes involving death.
The number of motor vehicle accidents has been steadily increasing since 2020. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 5,250,837 police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in 2020, resulting in 2,282,015 injuries and 38,824 deaths. [16]
This data has significant implications for drivers across the United States. It demonstrates the importance of being extra cautious when driving to reduce the chances of an accident occurring and the severity of any injuries if one does occur.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and need an experienced auto accident lawyer please contact us by calling 1-800-731-4878 or by filling out the form for a free consultation. You maybe entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
Sources:
[2] Here’s How Many Car Accidents You’ll Have. (2016, January 12). Fox Business. https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/heres-how-many-car-accidents-youll-have
[3] Motor Vehicle Safety Data | Bureau of Transportation Statistics. (n.d.). Motor Vehicle Safety Data | Bureau of Transportation Statistics. https://www.bts.gov/content/motor-vehicle-safety-data
[4] Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Crashstats /https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov
[5] How Do Weather Events Impact Roads? – https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.html
[6] 4 Reasons Why Over 50% Car Crashes Happen Closer To Home. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2017/12/14/4-reasons-why-over-50-car-crashes-happen-closer-to-home_a_23307197/
[7] Impaired Driving: Get the Facts | Transportation Safety | Injury Center | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
[8] J.D., C. B. (2023, January 23). Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/car-accident-statistics/
[9] Speeding – Injury Facts. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/
[10] 2020 Fatality Data Show Increased Traffic Fatalities During Pandemic | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/2020-fatality-data-show-increased-traffic-fatalities-during-pandemic
[11] Older Drivers | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers
[12] D. T. (n.d.). 2023 Driving Statistics: The Ultimate List of Driving Stats. Driving Statistics: The Ultimate List of Car Accident Statistics [2023]. https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/
[13] Get the Facts About TBI | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center. (2023, April 20). Get The Facts About TBI | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
[14] Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts | Transportation Safety | Injury Center | CDC. (2022, November 21). Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts | Transportation Safety | Injury Center | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
[15] Speeding – Injury Facts. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/
[16] Traffic Safety Facts. (2022, September). In NHTSA. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813369
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common cause of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes using a cell phone or other device while behind the wheel, as well as engaging in other activities such as eating or applying makeup. Distracted driving is responsible for approximately 29 percent of fatal crashes between 2019 and 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The most common injuries from car accidents include whiplash, lacerations, broken bones, and head trauma. Whiplash is particularly common due to its sudden onset and tendency to affect the neck and shoulder muscles. It can cause severe pain as well as headaches and other symptoms.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 37,133 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in 2019, and 36,096 deaths in 2020. These numbers represent a 4.6 percent decrease from 2019 to 2020.
