Shocking Car Accident Statistics From Across The USA
Alright, buckle up folks. We are about to cruise through some stats that might just make you want to wrap yourself in bubble wrap the next time you hit the road – or at least, take extra care when behind the wheel.
Author:Paolo ReynaReviewer:James PierceFeb 06, 202410.3K Shares159.4K Views
Alright, buckle up folks. We are about to cruise through some stats that might just make you want to wrap yourself in bubble wrap the next time you hit the road – or at least, take extra care when behind the wheel.
If you want to know how many car accidents and fatalities occur each year in the USA and understand which states are the most dangerous for driving, take a gander at the following shocking statistics.
Millions Are Injured and Thousands Are Killed in US Car Accidents Each Year
Throughout the USA each year, millions of people are injured and thousands are tragically killed in car accidents.
According to the latest stats from the National Safety Council, around 5.4 million people were injured in car crashes in 2021.
And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 42,915 lost their lives in car crashes during 2020.
Some States Are Safer Than Others for Car Accidents
A recent report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that Southeastern and Western states experience a higher number of car accidents each yearin comparison to Northeastern states.
For instance, Mississippi and New Mexico have some of the highest numbers of car accidents every year, with the former seeing 26.2 per 100,000 people and the latter seeing 22.7 per 100,000 people in 2021.
On the other hand, New York saw only 5.8 accidents and Rhode Island saw only 5.7 accidents per 100,000 people over the same time period.
Some experts believe this is down to the fact that there is much better and more affordable public transportation in many Northeastern states.
Some States Have Higher Fatality Rates Than Others
When it comes to car accident fatalities, according to Forbes Advisor’s latest stats, Montana experiences the most.
In 2020, 213 deaths occurred due to car accidents in Montana – which is likely due to the fact that the state has the highest rate of DUI levels in the nation. Incredibly, 51% of car accidents in Montana in 2020 involved drivers who were under the influence.
Following Montana, the next nine states with the highest levels of fatal car accidents per capita in 2020 were:
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
You may like to dig further into the stats to find out how safe your state is. Indeed, it could be useful to look at the car accident rates in your specific city.
For instance, if you live in Texas, you could look at this overview of car crash statisticsin Houston. For a quick heads up: there were a total of 67,386 motor vehicle accidents in Houston in 2022, which resulted in 308 fatalities.
How to Stay Crash-Free
Given those shocking numbers, it is pretty obvious that none of us want to become another statistic. So, here are some pro tips to keep your driving game top-notch and your name off the accident reports.
Eyes on the Prize: Avoid Distractions
That phone call or text can wait. Do not let a notification ding be the last thing you hear before a crash bang. Avoid other distractions too, such as changing the radio channel. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the USA.
Buddy Up with Your Seatbelt
Click it or ticket, right? But more than avoiding fines, strapping in could mean the difference between walking away from a wreck and not walking again. So, never forget to put on your seatbelt.
Slow Your Roll: Mind Speed Limits
Speed limit signs are not there for decoration—those digits are your lifeline. Keep within speed limits to give yourself enough reaction time when things go sideways (hopefully not literally).
No Booze Cruise: Drive Sober
Lastly, if you have been drinking, pass those keys like they are hot potatoes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is no joke, folks. So, never do it.
Paolo Reyna
Author
James Pierce
Reviewer
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