Car Accident Statistics 2013
Summary:
- 6 million – the average number of car accidents every year.
- 3 million people are injured every year in car accidents in America.
- Around 2 million drivers experience permanent injuries every year from car accidents.
- 40,000 people lose their lives every year due to major accidents while driving.
- 40% of all deaths caused by car accidents involve alcohol.
- 30% of car accident fatalities are attributed to speeding.
- Reckless driving accounts for 33% of all deaths involving major car accidents.
Did You Know?
- Nearly 1 in 3 people surveys admitted to sending and or receiving text messages while driving.
- Distracted drivers are responsible for 1 in 5 injuries in auto accidents.
- Montana had the highest auto fatality rate in 2009 (2.0)
- Massachusetts had the lowest auto fatality rate in 2009 (0.6)
- 1996 was the least deadly year for motorcycle riders.
- 69% of people surveyed admitted to talking on the phone while driving.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and experienced physical and emotional injuries, you are not alone. Drivers who haven’t experienced an accident while driving are surprised when they hear nationwide car accident statistics. A staggering number of people were injured or killed in numerous accidents all across the nation during 2011.
Automobile accidents are often associated with financial struggles because of the inability of the injured person to work and the difficulties paying for medical bills and property damage. However, drivers have plenty of rights they should exercise after a car accident, especially if the other driver is at fault. Hiring an attorney that is experienced in dealing with car accident cases is a way to alleviate the stress caused during the aftermath of an accident.
Average Number of Car Accidents Every Year: 6 million
It shouldn’t be a surprise that every year more cars are found on the roadways due to the increased numbers of people entering the workforce. With an ever-increasing amount of vehicles on the road, avoiding an accident becomes more difficult. An average of 6 million car accidents happens every year in the United States.
Out of that 6 million, there are several different categories of car accident statistics to take a look at that can include the age of drivers involved, location, deaths, injuries, reckless driving, distraction, and many other elements. One of the recent elements widely known to cause driving accidents is texting while driving. In fact, new legislation is being passed in a number of states that prohibits texting while driving.
Almost 1.3 Million Cars Deemed Potentially Hazardous
A recent recall specifically targets over 900,000 Toyotas, mostly Corollas, for airbag issues and almost 400,000 luxury Lexus IS model Toyotas for windshield wiper issues — specifically, windshield wipers that stick in heavy snow. The news comes on the heels of Toyota recently being ranked the top auto manufacturer in the world, even above its American counterparts. The news also comes as another in a line of Toyota defects and recalls.
Over the last few years, the automaker has had to recall vehicles for faulty brakes, faulty gas pedals, and unsafe floor mats. The company’s latest recall includes vehicles manufactured as far back as 2001, which is why it is crucial for owners of Toyotas manufactured after the year 2000 to contact their dealer and determine if their vehicle is one of those on the recall list.
According to the facts, operating a recalled vehicle without addressing the points above could potentially be extremely dangerous. In vehicles with airbag issues, the airbags appear to be deployed without cause due to a damaged computer chip. As anyone would be able to guess, having an airbag deploy without cause could injure the driver of the vehicle and/or cause the driver to lose control. In the case of the windshield wipers, heavy snow can cause the wipers to remain in the “down” position and quickly block the driver’s view of the road.
Responding to a Defect
Following a vehicle malfunction, drivers, if able, should activate their emergency lights and attempt to navigate safely to the side of the road before calling for roadside assistance. If safe navigation to the side of the road is not possible, the driver should immediately contact emergency responders so that they can facilitate the safe removal of the vehicle from the road.
Vehicle operators, following any kind of accident, are urged not to exit their vehicles, as passing motorists may not be aware of their presence. It is always better to wait for emergency or roadside assistance from within the car with a seat belt and other safety equipment (like child safety seats) still engaged for all passengers.
Dealing with a vehicle recall is something that should never be delayed. Attending to a serious defect in an automobile’s design or construction could potentially save the lives of the vehicle operator, passengers, and other travelers on the road. If you ever suspect that your vehicle may be subject to a recall, you can always talk to your local dealer for the model of your car. The dealer will have information on where the vehicle can be repaired for free.
Spread the Word
Inform people you care about today by spreading the word. Share this page or refer them to any of the resources listed below. This may not be a viral Sneezing Panda video, but information spreads quickly by those who care.
Educate your children, your husbands, your wives, your students, your friends and save a life.
Distracted Driving Resources
Distracted driving is so prevalent that the resources required to make this issue go away are simply too scarce. The best way we can help curtail the number of accidents due to distracted driving is through spreading awareness. This means we must educated ourselves and everyone we care about on distracted driving.
Learn about distracted driving and how to prevent it with these resources:
- Distraction.gov
- Cell phone use laws (Governor’s Highway Safety Association)
- NHTS Reports on Distraction
- CDC Statistics on Distracted Driving
- Decide to Drive (catch culprits in the act of distracted driving, accounts and map)
- National Safety Council (information on distracted driving)
- Federal Motor Carrier Administration (distraction laws for transportation vehicles)
- FCC Page on Distracted Driving
- OSHA Distracted Driving Flyer
How to Protect Yourself Legally and Financially
Statistics show that 25% of all drivers can be involved in a car accident within a 5 year period. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the demands for legal representation are quite high. The best course of action for an individual to take in order to be better prepared in case they are involved in an accident is finding a reputable attorney ahead of time. If you’re waiting until you are involved in an accident to find an attorney, it will only add more stress.
These car accident statistics should be a constant reminder about the dangers that lie ahead on the road. Having adequate insurance coverage is no longer enough to protect people’s finances, property, and other elements that are affected by a major car accident. The smartest thing any driver can do is prepare ahead of time is to also find a reputable and dependable attorney in their area.
Sources:
- Motor Vehicles Accidents and Fatalities – Census.gov
Updated on: December 16, 2013.