Car Accident
Greg Prosmushkin
Sep 14, 2022

Due to road traffic accidents, nearly 1.3 million people die every year. Every day on average 3,700 people die due to fatal motor vehicle crashes. Others experience non-fatal injuries and some are lucky to walk away unscathed.

This impacts not just the accident victims and their families, but society as a whole. Road traffic accidents cost governments billions of dollars in economic losses every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of countries lose 3% of their gross domestic product each year as a result of traffic accidents.

Fatal crash deaths can cause economic hardship not only to society but also for victims and their families. There are many costs associated with motor vehicle accidents, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs. There are also intangible costs, such as pain and suffering, that can be just as devastating.

Which age group is more prone to risk?

Teens and young adults are at the highest risk for motor vehicle accidents. In fact, people aged 16-19 years old have the highest rates of crash-related injuries of any age group. There are a number of reasons why this age group is more prone to accidents. Teens are more likely to take risks while driving, such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving while impaired. They also have less experience behind the wheel than older drivers.

Males are also at a higher risk for fatal crashes than females. In 2018, nearly twice as many males were killed in motor vehicle accidents than females. The reason for this is not fully understood, but it could be due to a number of factors.

The second highest risk group for motor vehicle accidents is people aged 20-24 years old. This age group has rates of crash-related injuries that are nearly 50% higher than the overall population. Like teens, people in this age group are more likely to take risks while driving and have less experience behind the wheel.

US Accidents Statistics: An Eye Opener

It is a fact that car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The statistics below will show you just how common car accidents are in America.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 36,120 road accident fatalities. In 2020, road crashes increased by 10.5% to 38,824 in numbers. The increase in the number of fatalities when compared to 2005 is the highest recorded in the history of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

As per the WHO reports, 29% of traffic crash fatalities were caused due to car accidents. This is the highest percentage among other vehicles including motor vehicles and three-wheeler occupants contributing to 28%.

According to the Association of Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), the United States is at the top of all road accidents and fatalities. The incidence is about 50% higher than that in other high-income countries. ASIRT also reports that, tragically, in America 12.4 people die out of 100,000 in car accidents each year.

Data published by Reuters in 2021 shows that traffic fatalities in the United States are the highest they have been since 2005.

The National Safety Council reports that, although there were fewer vehicles on the road in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the fatality rate increased 14%.

More people died in car accidents in Texas than in any other US state in 2018, with California coming a close second, according to the  Insurance Information Institute. In total, there were 3,642 fatalities recorded in Texas and 3,563 reported deaths due to motor vehicle accidents in California. However, it’s worth noting that both states have seen a decline compared to 2017 numbers.

These statistics are alarming and should be a wake-up call for all Americans. Car accidents are a serious problem in this country, and there is a need for action to be taken to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.

The WHO aims to provide a safe system approach to addressing the problem of road safety. This means that they focus on making changes to the road environment, vehicles, and human behavior to make roads safer for everyone. There are a number of initiatives that have been put in place to try and achieve this, such as the Global Decade of Action for Road Safety.

What are the fundamental factors that cause auto accidents?

There are many factors that can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

Speeding

Speeding is one the most common factors that contribute to car accidents. Speeding increases the chance of losing control of the vehicle, as well as the severity of the accident if it does occur. The fatality rate in speeding-related accidents is also much higher than in other types of accidents.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another major factor in car accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair a person’s ability to drive, and can lead to them making poor decisions or taking risks while behind the wheel. The blood alcohol content limit for driving in the United States is 0.08%, and anyone caught driving over this limit will be charged with a DUI.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving, such as texting while driving, is another major cause of car accidents. When a driver is distracted, they are not paying full attention to the road and are more likely to make mistakes or miss hazards. There are a number of laws in place to try and reduce the amount of distracted driving, such as bans on texting while driving in many states.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment, such as seat belts and airbags, can help to reduce the severity of injuries in a car accident. However, it is important to note that safety equipment is not a replacement for safe driving. Seat belts should always be worn when driving, and airbags should be checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or icy roads, can also contribute to car accidents. It is important to be aware of potential hazards on the road and drive accordingly. For example, if there is ice on the road, it is important to slow down and drive carefully.

Vehicle Maintenance

Another factor that can contribute to car accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. It is important to regularly check your vehicle to make sure that everything is in good working condition. This includes things like checking the tires, brakes, and lights.

Need legal help? Contact Greg Prosmushkin today

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and will fight for the compensation that you deserve.

A Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer can help you gather evidence, file a claim, and negotiate with insurance companies. They will also represent you in court if necessary. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer today. 

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