In 2020, the United States saw 5,250,837 collisions reported in the calendar year. These figures include 35,766 traffic fatalities, 1,593,390 accidental injuries, and 3,621,681 damaged pieces of property. This article covers high-risk accident causes and casualties found in this recent research.
Car Accidents: The Causes, Statistics, and Trends You Need to Know
Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. While accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, some causes are more common than others. We’ll explore the top causes of car accidents and their statistics, including:
- Drunk Driving
- Speeding
- Lack of Seatbelt Use
- Time of Day and Day of the Week
- Age-Based Fatalities
- Gender-Based Accidents
Drunk Driving
Driving while intoxicated is a leading cause of car accidents. In fact, drunk drivers were responsible for 13,695 fatalities in the US in 2020. Data on drunk driving is alarming – alcohol-influenced driving was implicated in 35% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. The prevalence of drunk driving varies; only 23% of DUI-related accidents happened during the day, while 67% occurred at night. In some places, accidents involving intoxicated drivers happen more frequently. “Unfortunately, no matter how cautious people are, accidents still happen. Knowing the statistics and top causes of drunk driving can help drivers understand when and why these accidents occur so that drivers may be on the lookout for possible threats on the road,” says DWI lawyer Max Paderewski of Lone Star Injury Attorneys.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents. Speeding increases the risk of accidents and severe and catastrophic injuries. In 2020, 11,258 people died in car accidents as a result of speeding. Because of its frequency in both day and night, speeding can sometimes be a more dangerous threat than drunk driving.
Lack of Seatbelt Use
Not wearing seatbelts can be deadly. 47% of passengers and 46% of drivers in fatal car crashes were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accidents. It’s essential always to wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car to reduce the risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.
Time of Day and Day of the Week
The time of day and week can also affect accident rates. Traffic is more dangerous at night, with 35% of fatal accidents occurring between 6:00 pm and midnight. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, fatal car accidents account for about half of all collisions. There are also more collisions over holidays. The Fourth of July is the worst day for car accidents, with September 3rd coming in a close second with 128 fatal collisions per year, averaging 134 crashes on July 4th.
Age-Based Fatalities
Age is a factor in car accidents as well. The first year of driving is statistically the most dangerous for new drivers. The rate of fatal car accidents among drivers aged 16 to 20 was twice that of passengers aged 10-15. Despite the dangers that freshly licensed drivers face, drivers who are a little older (ages 25 to 34) are more likely to pass away or have severe injuries in car accidents.
Gender-Based Accidents
Gender also plays a role in car accidents. Men are more likely to die or sustain injuries than women. In 2020, 10,690 women and 28,033 men died in collisions, and 1,159,030 men and 1,122,884 women sustained injuries. Men are more prone than women to drive fast and aggressively, with 52% of men and 44.6% of women exceeding the posted speed limit by 15 mph. Regardless of gender, 80% of drivers agree to drive aggressively.
In Conclusion
It’s important to remember that car accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, and other factors. By understanding the causes of car accidents and taking steps to drive safely, our community can work together to reduce the number of accidents on the road.