If you have been in a car accident caused by a collision with another driver, it is highly advised to click here and consult with a car accident lawyer. This could potentially secure the maximum compensation amount for damages and bodily injury. With more than 276 million registered motor vehicles in the United States as of 2020, according to Statista.com, the potential always exists that an individual may experience a motor accident sometime in their lifetime. Even if you drive carefully, you are unable to control the actions of other drivers on the road. However, you can reduce the risk of a car accident by driving defensively and being aware of your surroundings.
The Odds of Getting into a Car Accident
Consumer Insurance Report states that the average driver gets into a car accident approximately once every 17.9 years. To elaborate on this figure, if the average person begins driving at the age of 16, it is likely they will experience at least three collisions in their lifetime. However, by implementing safe driving habits, these odds can be significantly lowered.
It is also important to note that the likelihood of getting into a car accident is increased among teen drivers, especially males between the ages of 16-19. This is caused by a combination of factors including inexperience, speeding, lack of seat belt use, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Car Crash Fatalities Compared to Other Causes of Death
The National Safety Council generated a list regarding causes of death. The chances of being in a fatal car crash ranks in the top 10.
For reference, here are six causes also in the Top 10:
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- Heart disease (1 in 6)
- Cancer (1 in 7)
- Covid-19 (1 in 12)
- Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (1 in 28)
- Opioid Overdose (1 in 67)
- Suicide (1 in 93)
- Motor Vehicle Crash (1 in 101)
Annual Road Crash Statistics in the United States
According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, there are 46,000 fatalities every year as a result of car crashes on U.S. roadways. The calculated fatality rate is 12.4 deaths per 100,000. In addition, annually 4.4 million people sustain injuries from car crashes that require immediate medical attention. Several contributing factors lead to motor vehicle fatalities among the U.S. population. Among these factors are speeding, driving in harsh weather conditions, distracted driving, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and failure to yield to oncoming traffic.
How to Reduce Your Chances of a Car Crash
A car accident can unexpectedly occur in a fraction of a second due to the velocity of vehicles. Getting into a car accident can result in bodily injury, financial struggle, and emotional turmoil due to fatalities. In many circumstances, car accidents are preventable by drivers following the designated speed limit, being aware of traffic conditions, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
You can greatly reduce your chances of being in a collision by following these tips:
- Following the speed limit and obeying road signs
- Use your turn signals and turn on your headlights during low visibility conditions
- Take your car to a shop for service, tune-ups, and safety inspections
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Remaining attentive and driving responsibly
