Car accidents are a common occurrence on roads and highways around the world.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 35,766 fatal car accidents in the United States in 2020, resulting in 38,680 deaths. Highly rated lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress can help if you or a loved one are a victim or survivor of such unfortunate circumstances. In addition, 1,593,390 crashes resulted in injuries and 3,621,681 that caused property damage.
In 2020, alarming increases were observed in road fatalities, with bicyclist deaths up by 9.2%, the highest since 1987, and passenger car occupant fatalities up by 9%. Urban area fatalities surged by 8.5% and pedestrian fatalities rose by 3.9%, the most significant since 1989. Hit-and-run crash fatalities increased by 26%, while large-truck crash fatalities decreased by 1.3%.
In addition, there were 1,593,390 injury-causing crashes affecting 2,710,000 people, and property damage was reported in 3,621,681 accidents, amounting to an estimated cost of $170.4 billion. These statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures due to the substantial personal and societal impacts of car accidents.
Overview of Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents are a significant cause of injuries and deaths in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,824 traffic fatalities in 2020, which is the highest number of fatalities since 2007.
The statistics show that the number of fatalities caused by car accidents has been increasing over the years. In 2021, an estimated 42,915 people died in car crashes, which is a 10.5 percent increase from 2020.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been working to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities. One of the ways they do this is by collecting data and analyzing it to identify trends and patterns. The DOT’s Crash Records Form for Law Enforcement provides a standardized way for law enforcement agencies to report traffic crashes.
The NHTSA also collects data on traffic crashes and fatalities. They release an annual report that provides detailed information on the number of fatalities, injuries, and property damage caused by traffic crashes. The report includes data on the types of vehicles involved in crashes, the time of day when crashes occurred, and the number of fatalities by age group.
Fatalities in Car Accidents
Car accidents can be fatal, and the number of fatalities in car accidents is a significant concern for public safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,824 fatalities in traffic crashes in 2020. This is the highest number of fatalities since 2007. The estimated number of police-reported crashes in 2020 decreased by 22% as compared to 2019.
In 2021, there were an estimated 6,102,936 police-reported vehicle accidents in the United States, of which 39,508 were fatal. This makes the effective deadly car crash death rate 0.7%. The fatality rate per 100,000 people ranged from 5.7 in Rhode Island to 26.2 in Mississippi.
Below is a breakdown by age group of car crash deaths:
- 15 and younger: 1,132 traffic fatalities; 2.6% of total.
- 15 to 24 years old: 6,847 traffic fatalities; 16% of total.
- 25 to 34 years old: 7,194 traffic fatalities; 17% of total.
- 35 to 44 years old: 6,074 traffic fatalities; 14% of total.
- 45 to 54 years old: 5,676 traffic fatalities; 13% of total.
- 55 to 64 years old: 4,865 traffic fatalities; 11% of total.
- 65 and older: 6,720 traffic fatalities; 16% of total.
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 1-54 in the United States. In 2020, car accidents accounted for 38% of all deaths in the United States for people aged 16-20.
It is essential to take safety precautions while driving to prevent fatal car accidents. Drivers should always wear seatbelts, avoid distractions such as using a phone while driving, follow traffic rules, and avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to life-threatening injuries. In 2020, an estimated 4.8 million people were injured in car accidents in the United States, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The most common types of injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
Injuries from car accidents can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their financial well-being. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment can add up quickly, making it difficult for injured individuals to get the care they need.
It is worth noting that some injuries may not become apparent until days or even weeks after a car accident. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you do not feel any immediate pain or discomfort.
Overall, car accidents can have a significant impact on the lives of those involved. By understanding the types of injuries that can result from car accidents, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones while on the road.
Conclusion
Car accidents are a common occurrence on America’s roads and highways, resulting in significant economic and human costs. The statistics indicate that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, with activities such as texting, eating, or using a navigation system while driving being the primary culprits.
In 2020, there were over 5 million police-reported car accidents in the United States, resulting in 38,824 traffic-related deaths. This is a significant decrease from the previous year, but still a cause for concern. The economic cost of car accidents is also substantial, with estimates placing it at over $800 billion each year.
To mitigate the risk of accidents, it is essential to practice safe driving habits, such as avoiding distractions, obeying traffic laws, and wearing seat belts. Additionally, policymakers can implement measures such as increasing funding for road safety infrastructure and enforcing stricter penalties for dangerous driving behaviors.
Overall, the statistics on car accidents highlight the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and reduce the human and economic costs associated with these incidents.