10 Important United States Car Crash Statistics for 2023

10 Important United States Car Crash Statistics for 2023

Dec 11, 2023

A New York Times report confirms that the vehicle death rate in the United States is alarmingly high when compared to other industrialized nations.

The Times’ report notes that traffic fatalities in the U.S. are:

• Nearly three times higher than:
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • France
• Nearly four times higher than:
  • Germany
  • Japan
• Nearly five times higher than:
  • Britain
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia

Although a preliminary report from the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that 2023 traffic fatalities are estimated to decrease slightly – by approximately 3.3% as compared to last year – the 9,330 people who died in motor vehicle collisions in just the first quarter of the year is still considerably high when compared to other countries.

Deadly car accidents impact countless Americans annually, and we’ve put together 10 important statistics on motor vehicle crashes which have been updated for 2023.

10 Important Deadly Car Accident Statistics for 2023

A report from USA Today confirms that number of fatal car crashes in each state has risen significantly over the last several years (between 2018 to 2022, the number of deadly accidents in the United States increased by more than 16% – from 36,835 fatal car crashes in 2018 to 42,795 fatal car crashes in 2022).

Here are 10 important statistics on fatal car wrecks in the United States:

1. There are estimated to be 43,000 fatal crashes a year in the U.S.
2. Speeding is estimated to play a role in 29% of all traffic fatalities, killing an average of 33 people per day in the United States.
3. California and Texas lead the nation in terms of the highest number of speeding-related deadly wrecks per year (but Hawaii tops the list among states where speeding actually plays a role in fatal automobile crashes – with an estimated 48% involving high-speed collisions).
4. With the total number of deadly American car crashes in 2022 (42,795), the U.S. average fatal crash rate is nearly 16 deaths per 100,000 vehicles.
5. The Covid pandemic played a role in motor vehicle collisions, with police-reported crashes decreasing by 22% in 2020 and the number of people injured in accidents decreasing by 17% in 2020 compared to 2019 (although fatal car crash statistics went up 6.8% from 2019 to 2020).
6. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages 13 to 19 (and teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19, who are considered especially at-risk, are nearly three times more likely to die in a car crash than drivers 20 and up).
7. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of car accident death by 45% if you’re in the front seat.
8. In the United States, more than a third (36%) of all fatal car crashes involve alcohol.
9. October typically sees the highest number of fatal car accidents (3,799 were recorded in 2021). February had the lowest number that year – with 2,340.
10. Mississippi has the highest rate of fatal car wrecks (with 34 car crash deaths per 100,000 registered vehicles in 2022 – equating to a deadly car accident rate which is more than double the U.S. average – 16 per 100,000 vehicles – that same year).

How to Reduce Car Accident Injuries and Fatalities

Car insurance companies and government entities often publish lists of safety recommendations for drivers to help reduce or avoid car accident injuries and fatalities.

Some of the more common car accident safety tips include:

• Never drive when drowsy or under the influence (you’re significantly more likely to make driving errors when you’re sleepy or impaired by drugs or alcohol).
• Keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you so you can stop under various scenarios (especially in inclement weather). Drivers are recommended to stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle directly in front of one’s vehicle.
• Never drive distracted (which includes taking your eyes off the road for any reason – such as to eat, read a text message, or find your phone).
• Reduce speed – as mentioned above, speeding is one of the most common factors in car accident injuries and deaths.
• Limit night driving – particularly if you are a teen or elderly.
• Always wear a seatbelt.

Additionally, ensuring that your vehicle is properly maintained is strongly recommended.

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

How to File a Civil Claim for Financial Compensation After a Los Angeles Car Accident Injury

Dordulian Law Group (DLG) is a Los Angeles-area car accident firm with over 25 years of experience helping injured victims secure justice and maximum financial compensation for their claims. Our car accident and personal injury lawyers are available 24/7 for free consultations. Contact us today by calling 866-GO-SEE-SAM to discuss your case. You can be confident that we will work aggressively to help you recover a maximized cash settlement.

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