Auto Accident Statistics
1. According to data from the NHTSA, the most dangerous day to drive is on Friday between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m.
2. There were 5,250,837 collisions recorded in 2020.
3. Impaired driving caused 35% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. A total of 13,695 fatalities are attributed to intoxicated drivers.
4. Single-vehicle crashes contribute to over 60% of car accident fatalities, with a 9.4% increase observed from 2019 to 2020. On the other hand, fatalities from multivehicle accidents saw a 3.7% increase.
5. Studies have shown that in frontal car crashes, women are 73 percent more likely to sustain serious injuries, almost twice as likely to be trapped in the wreckage, and 17 percent more likely to face fatal outcomes.
6. Road traffic crashes cause approximately 1.3 million deaths every year.
7. According to certain statistics, more than 60% of traffic accident fatalities are attributed to aggressive driving. Male drivers between the ages of 19-39 are most likely to drive aggressively.
8. 46% of drivers involved in deadly collisions are not wearing seat belts.
9. On average, motor vehicle crashes result in a death every 12 minutes, an injury every 10 seconds, and a crash every 5 seconds.
10. On average, individuals experience 3-4 vehicle accidents throughout their lifetime.
According to data from the NHTSA, Friday between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. is the most dangerous time to drive.
If you’ve ever wondered about the most dangerous time to be on the road, look no further than Friday afternoons between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this specific time period poses the highest risk for motor vehicle crashes. [1]
Many people tend to leave work early on Fridays, eager to start their weekends. As a result, there is an increase in traffic volume and congestion, which can lead to more accidents.
The prevalence of distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, can exacerbate the risk.
There were 5,250,837 collisions reported in 2020.
The number of auto collisions that occurred over the course of a single year is truly staggering. According to the statistics, a total of 5,250,837 collisions took place in 2020. [2]
This figure highlights the significant impact that accidents have on our roads and serves as a wake-up call to the importance of practicing safe driving habits.
Approximately 35% of fatal motor vehicle accidents were attributed to impaired driving. There were 13,695 fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers.
Impaired driving continues to be a grave issue on our roads, causing a significant number of deadly accidents. Shocking statistics reveal that 35% of these tragic incidents can be attributed to impaired driving. [2]
This means that out of all fatal accidents, more than one-third involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The total number of auto accident deaths caused by intoxicated drivers reaches a staggering 13,695. Each one of these lives represents a heartbreaking loss to families, friends, and communities.
Single-vehicle crashes contribute to over 60% of fatalities in car accidents, with a 9.4% increase from 2019 to 2020. On the other hand, fatalities from multivehicle accidents saw a 3.7% increase.
Single-vehicle crashes, where only one vehicle is involved, have a significant impact on road safety, contributing to over 60% of fatalities in car accidents. [3]
What’s even more alarming is that there has been a 9.4% increase in fatalities from single-vehicle crashes from 2019 to 2020.
These crashes can result from various causes, such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, fatigue, or adverse weather conditions.
On the other hand, fatalities from multivehicle accidents, where two or more vehicles are involved, have also seen an increase, although at a lower rate. There has been a 3.7% increase in fatalities from multivehicle accidents during the same period.
Female drivers are more likely to be seriously injured, trapped in wreckage, and die in car accidents than men, according to studies.
One of the most alarming findings is that women are 73 percent more likely than men to sustain serious injuries in frontal car crashes. Frontal crashes can be particularly dangerous due to the force of impact. [4]
The reasons behind this discrepancy in injury severity are multifaceted and may include differences in biomechanics, vehicle design, and the use of safety equipment like seat belts and airbags.
The statistics indicate that women are almost twice as likely as men to become trapped in the wreckage of a car crash.
This finding could be attributed to various factors, including differences in body size, vehicle design considerations, or the effects of crash dynamics on occupant egress.
Findings show that women are 17 percent more likely to die in car crashes compared to men. The reasons for this higher fatality rate are multifaceted and may include differences in physical attributes, vehicle selection, and the presence of underlying medical conditions.
Traffic crashes result in approximately 1.3 million fatalities annually.
According to the statistics, approximately 1.3 million people lose their lives in road traffic accidents annually. [5]
This alarming figure reflects the devastating impact that these accidents have on individuals, families, and communities.
Traffic fatalities extend far beyond just the number of lives lost. The physical and emotional toll on survivors, as well as the financial burden on healthcare systems and individuals, are significant.
More than 60% of traffic accident deaths are caused by aggressive driving. Young male drivers are more prone to risk on the road, especially between the ages of 19-39.
Certain statistics have shown that aggressive driving plays a significant role in traffic accident deaths. In fact, startling data suggests that over 60% of all traffic accident fatalities can be attributed to aggressive driving behaviors. [6]
This alarming figure emphasizes the need to address and combat this dangerous driving style on our roadways.
Male drivers between the ages of 19 and 39 are most at risk when it comes to aggressive driving-related accidents. As this demographic faces higher chances of being involved in aggressive driving incidents, they are also most likely to meet with the severe consequences that can result from these behaviors.
Aggressive driving encompasses a range of dangerous behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, running red lights, and engaging in road rage incidents.
In deadly collisions, 46% of drivers are not wearing seatbelts.
Startling statistics reveal that a significant number of drivers involved in deadly collisions fail to buckle up, accounting for approximately 46% of these fatal accidents. [2]
Despite the clear benefits and widespread knowledge about the importance of seat belts, almost half of all drivers choose not to wear them.
The consequences of not wearing seat belts extend beyond the individual driver, as unrestrained occupants can become projectiles within the vehicle, endangering other passengers or even pedestrians in the event of a crash.
On average, there is a motor vehicle crash every 5 seconds resulting in injuries or fatalities.
Shockingly, according to the data, someone loses their life in a motor vehicle crash every 12 minutes. This highlights the grim reality that lives are tragically lost at an alarming rate on our roadways.
An injury occurs every 10 seconds, and each one represents a drastic disruption to the lives of individuals and their families.
Not only are lives lost and injuries sustained, but crashes themselves occur with astonishing regularity. Every 5 seconds, a crash takes place somewhere on the roads. [7]
On average, individuals may experience 3-4 vehicle accidents in their lifetime.
Throughout their lifetime, individuals may encounter an average of 3-4 vehicle accidents. This statistic is a reminder of the potential risks that come with being on the road.
Even with the best intentions and safe driving practices, accidents can still occur.
These incidents can range from minor fender benders to more severe crashes, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and prepared while driving.
Sources
[1] Coleman, S. (n.d.). 100 Deadliest Days of Summer | Bankrate. 100 Deadliest Days of Summer | Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/most-dangerous-times-to-drive/
[2] J.D., C. B. (2023, January 23). Car Accident Statistics For 2023. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/car-accident-statistics/
[3] Car Accident Statistics: Fatalities, Injuries and Top Risk Factors. (2023, March 28). Value Penguin. Retrieved August 7, 2023, from https://www.valuepenguin.com/car-accident-statistics
[4] Why Are Women More Likely To Die In Car Crashes Than Men? (2023, February 1). IFLScience. https://www.iflscience.com/why-are-women-more-likely-to-die-in-car-crashes-than-men-67353
[5] Milenkovic, D. (2022, January 18). 20+ Alarming Car Accident Statistics | Carsurance. Carsurance. https://carsurance.net/insights/car-accident-statistics/
[6] Rogers, M. (2022, January 19). Top 10 Scary Driving Statistics For 2023 | Drive-Safely.net. Drive-Safely.net. https://www.drive-safely.net/driving-statistics/
[7] Guidelines for employees to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/motor_vehicle_guide.pdf
[8] Griffin, D. (n.d.). What Are Your Chances of Getting Into a Car Accident? What Are Your Chances of Getting Into a Car Accident? https://www.news9.com/story/5e6fca6cf86011d4820c3f2d/what-are-your-chances-of-getting-into-a-car-accident
If you or loved one have been injured in an auto accident contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Goldberg & Loren. We may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
