Car accidents can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Even the most careful drivers can sometimes become victims. Car accidents cause injuries, financial losses, and take lives, making them a leading cause of personal injury and death in many countries. While you may think that you’re a good driver and never will be the victim of a car accident, the truth is that car accidents happen every day. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most surprising car accident statistics that you need to know.
- Car accidents are the number one cause of death among teenagers in the US. As per the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,000 teens are killed every year in car accidents.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic crashes are the eighth leading cause of death globally. Each year, over 1.3 million people die and up to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries in car accidents worldwide.
- Distracted driving is a significant factor in car accidents. Texting while driving, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio are all distractions that can lead to a car accident. According to the NHTSA, texting while driving increases the risk of a car accident by 23 times.
- Drunk driving is a significant risk factor for car accidents. In the US, someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 53 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019, over 10,000 people died in drunk driving accidents in the US alone.
- Speeding is another significant risk factor for car accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that speeding is involved in around 30% of all fatal car accidents in the US.
Car accidents can happen to anyone, and the consequences can be devastating. While we can’t always predict or prevent car accidents, knowing the statistics can help us become more aware of the risks and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Whether it’s avoiding distractions while driving, never driving under the influence, or slowing down to obey speed limits, every responsible driver can help make the roads safer for everyone. Stay safe and informed, and always practice defensive driving. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than not at all.