While cars keep getting safer, roads keep getting more dangerous. More than ten accidents occur every minute across the United States. These have a significant financial impact on people due to personal injuries and property damage.
Although driving is dangerous, it can help to know some of the facts about crashes in the US.
Fatality causes
Crash reports show that there were more than 40,000 fatal accidents in 2021, an increase from 2020. The top causes of injuries in these crashes include:
- Drunk driving
- Lack of seatbelts
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
Additionally, the increase in accidents likely came from changes in driving patterns. During 2020, many people stayed home due to the pandemic, meaning fewer chances for crashes. However, when places opened again in 2021, people began driving again, which prompted vehicle accidents to rise.
Dangerous behavior
Dangerous behavior occurs more frequently after people have stayed out late or consumed alcohol. While someone’s blood alcohol content is over the legal limit, they cannot react quickly and make sound judgments. Additionally, many people, specifically men and those under 25 are more likely to consume alcohol and feel that they can safely drive.
National fatalities
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration compiles data on crash fatalities every year. These provide numbers for how many crashes kill or injure people. In 2021, there were more than 42,000 traffic fatalities.
Knowing these statistics can help keep people out of accidents by alerting them to the dangers of driving. That can encourage individuals to take precautions, such as a defensive driving course or plan for the next steps in case of a personal injury due to an accident.