Most of us travel every day, whether it’s to work, dropping off kids at school, or taking long road trips with friends or family. But we also come across horrifying news of various car crash incidents.
These incidents often leave us worrying about each car trip. In the years 2022 to 2023, there were 42,514 motor vehicle fatalities in the United States alone, which is alarming. Understanding car crash statistics helps us identify the exact causes of numerous accidents and determine what can be done to improve safety standards.
With these numbers, we can also make smarter driving decisions, which will help save many lives. You should know how to seek help after an accident for filing claims and determining what compensation you will be able to get.
What Car Crash Statistics Are Really Telling
These are years of advanced technology, yet many accidents still occur due to human error. Here are a few factors that have been key contributors to the majority of the accidents, according to the car crash statistics.
Distracted Driving: People nowadays are unable to spend even a small amount of time away from their phones. This addiction to their phone becomes a problem, especially while driving. Statistics say using a phone to text or call is one of the primary reasons for accidents caused by distracted driving.
Overspeeding: Speed is a thrilling factor, but it also comes with its risks. In 2022, speeding was the factor responsible for 29% of the traffic fatalities.
Lack of Sleep: Love going on a cross-country or long ride without sleep? Then you are automatically calling for trouble. Each year, there are almost 6400 people who have lost their lives in motor accidents due to drowsy driving.
Impaired Driving: Despite the numerous campaigns conducted regularly, many people still drink and drive, leading to deadly accidents. Impaired driving is one of the primary causes of car crashes. So, the next time you have even a small drink, think twice before getting in front of the wheel.
Failing to Wear Seat Belts: Many fatalities caused by car crashes were cases that could have been avoided just by wearing a seat belt. It’s a small action that can make a big difference in protecting lives during an accident.
Underage Driving: The age limit for driving has been set so that the driver knows how to act quickly in case of any event. There are a lot of accidents happening as parents lend their vehicles to underage kids, as they tend to underestimate dangerous situations.
Location and Time: Apart from human error, the location and time also play significant roles in the cause of accidents. While daytime also has accidents, we can see that the majority of them occur at night, mainly due to reduced visibility.
Poorly Maintained Roads: Sometimes, accidents occur even when we are careful due to poorly maintained roads. The primary causes of accidents include neglected potholes, inadequate road signs, and poorly designed intersections.
Lack of Protection for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Road accidents not only affect motorists but also pedestrians and cyclists. Areas without proper warning signs, no designated areas for crossing, or lanes for cycles can lead to accidents.
No Strict Laws: By checking the statistics, we can say that countries and states that follow stricter road rules see fewer accidents. Countries should enact laws that enforce strict seatbelt use, among other measures.
Final Thoughts
By understanding these statistics, we can use the information to push for safer and improved road designs. Additionally, we should also ensure that we make changes like not using the phone while driving, wearing seatbelts, and prioritizing our own and our loved ones’ safety.
