In the United States, about 102 car accident fatalities happen every day.
The sad truth is that most of these fatalities can be prevented. If you’re aware of the fatal car accident facts, you will know which behaviors to avoid.
Awareness can help you save your and someone else’s life. Read on to learn some shocking facts about car accident fatalities.
Table of Contents
Distracted Drivers
In 2017, 3,166 people were killed due to distracted driving. The truth is distracted driving deaths are 100% preventable.
Although many people know that texting and drunk driving can cause an accident, there are many other behaviors that can lead to a car accident. Some people are not even aware they’re putting their life in jeopardy.
These are all examples of distracted driving:
- Reading a map
- Watching a video
- Talking to passengers
- Setting the GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Playing a game
- Applying makeup
- Other forms of grooming
- Adjusting the radio
It’s the responsibility of the driver to avoid distractions that could cause an accident.
Drunk Driving
Although driving while under the influence can lead to harsh penalties and jail time, there are people who still do it.
In the United States, 10,497 people died, as a result of drunk driving in 2016. On average, 29 people die a day when a drunk driver is involved.
Drivers who drive under the influence face license suspension, high fines, and even jail time. They might even face lawsuits for the injuries of other motorists.
The Law Offices of Michael J. Bourquard, LLC specialize in handling these lawsuits.
Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is a type of distracted driving that has become a problem of its own. In fact, 1.6 million car crashes a year are the result of drivers texting.
In the United States, as a result of texting while driving, 11 teens die every day. When you text and drive, you’re 23 times more likely to crash than if you’re paying full attention.
There are some who say texting while driving gives you the same reaction time as driving after drinking 4 beers.
These statistics are too high and are 100 percent preventable.
Other Statistics
Although it might seem like texting or driving under the influence are the most common causes of car accidents, there are other more common causes. In fact, fatigue, distracted driving, and weather conditions cause more accidents.
However, drunk driving causes the most deaths followed directly by speeding accidents.
Over half of car accident fatalities occur to individuals between the ages of 15 and 44. Deaths among males are higher than among females in car crashes.
47% of people who died in a car crash in 2017 were not wearing a seatbelt. Also, drivers are more likely to die in a car accident than passengers.
Fatal Car Accident Facts: The Bottom Line
Now that you know what the leading causes of car accident fatalities are, you will be more aware the next time you get behind the wheel.
A fatal car accident can be prevented by avoiding texting, paying attention, and not driving under the influence. Contact us if you have any questions or need any assistance.
