It is not surprising to anyone that it can be dangerous to drive. In fact, car accident fatalities are one of the leading causes of loss of life. Keep reading to get the statistics to see just how common these accidents are. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
Car Accident Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The NHTSA compiles comprehensive car accident statistics. The most recent year for which we data is 2017, and it revealed more than 37,000 fatal car accidents. The data showed that most fatal accidents happened in passenger vehicles such as cars and light trucks and that motorcycle accidents made up 14% of all traffic deaths. They also found that nearly 30% of fatal accidents involved alcohol.
Car Accident Statistics from the World Health Organization
According to the World Health Organization, which looks at car accident date not just from the United States but from around the world, about 1.25 million people die in car accidents per year. That comes out to upwards of 3,000 every day – and that is just people who are killed. Another 20 – 50 people are injured or disabled in accidents per year.
The WHO also found that most fatal car accidents involve adults who are 44 years old or younger and that amongst drivers aged 15 – 29, car accidents are the most common cause of death. In fact, more than 1,000 people under the age of 25 die on streets throughout the world each day. About 2% of global fatalities are caused by road traffic, which makes it a top ten cause of death.
How to Reduce Your Chance of Becoming a Statistic
No one wants to be a statistic, and while you cannot prevent this possibility 100%, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chance of being involved in an accident. First, you can make sure that no matter what type of road you are on, whether a city road, dirt road, or highway, you take steps to stay safe. This means not speeding, reducing your distractions, buckling your seatbelt, not driving drunk, and only driving when you are well-rested.
As you drive, you should ensure there is a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The amount of room necessary depends on how fast you are traveling. The best rule of thumb is the two-second rule, which involves picking a fixed object on the road and noting when the car in front of you passes it. Your vehicle should take at least two seconds to reach the same object.
Even if you do everything you can, you cannot prevent 100% of accidents. If you are injured, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
