Every year, thousands of U.S. citizens become another car accident statistic. Many who learn about the most recent car accident statistics are shocked at the risks and dangers of the road. As a driver in the United States of America, you can improve the statistics. Teenagers, elderly citizens and pedestrians alike affect the statistics. In order to partake in decreasing accidents, you need to learn about car crashes and key insights. Read on to learn the top shocking U.S. car accident statistics you need to know.
Over 1 Million Crashes Caused By Phones
Experts predict that over 1 million car crashes will be caused by phones this year as well. This fact is likely to be proven true despite the fact that most drivers claim that they do not use their phones while on the road. Unfortunately, this statistic proves them wrong. Between drivers texting, browsing social media and taking photographs, drivers have too many activities to enjoy at their fingertips. About a quarter of drivers who have gotten into car crashes were texting and driving. According to an accident injury attorney at The Barnes Firm, most states, including California, have implemented bans on texting and driving. Ignoring these laws could cost drivers a hefty fine, but it still pales in comparison to the costs associated with a serious car accident. Use this car accident statistic to put the United States’ current car crash situation into perspective.
Distractions Can Cause Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian safety plays a major role in the current car accident statistics. Nowadays, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. Hundreds of pedestrians get hit by drivers on a daily basis. While drunk driving causes plenty of pedestrian fatalities yearly, distractions do as well. Distractions are actually ranked number three for pedestrian fatality causes. Statistics show that electronic devices are the main cause for these distractions. As mobile devices such as smartphones continue to popularize, the amount of pedestrian fatalities can potentially rise. This is one of the most surprising car accident statistics for many pedestrians and drivers alike.
A Lot Of Fatal Teen Accidents Include Alcohol
Another shocking U.S. car accident statistic revolves around teenage driving. Unfortunately, underage drinking causes issues in various parts of the United States. While some states acquire more underage drinking charges yearly, they all deal with the risks of alcohol related deaths. One of the most fatal risks of underage drinking is car accidents. About a quarter of teenagers who get in car crashes include alcohol. As a driver in the U.S., you can assist others in lowering this number. To do so, persuade teenagers to not only drive responsibly, but to avoid underage drinking altogether. Then, you can improve this shocking U.S. car accident statistic.
Accidents Cost The U.S. Billions
Moreover, the cost of car accidents in the U.S. each year is shocking. The numbers surpass hundreds of billion dollars now. In fact, the National High Way Traffic Safety Administration estimated that car accidents totaled up to $871 billion. This is one of the most shocking car accident statistics to many citizens. That’s nearly $900 for every person in the US. Many of these citizens imagine what the United States could do with the hundreds of billions of dollars it puts toward car accidents every year. Whether you think of your own financial situation, poverty or other elements of the economy, this statistic impacts every U.S. citizen.
Lack Of Seat Belts In Over 50% Of Deadly Crashes
In addition to the above car accident statistics, more than half of the deadly car accidents that occur in the U.S. involve occupants not wearing their seat belts. Since seat belt defects were fixed to prevent injury in the case of a car crash, this statistic is often shocking for United States citizens. The amount of drivers and passengers who end up in lethal situations every year due to not wearing their seat belt is unacceptable. Fortunately, you can help to lower the number of occupants in deadly crashes who do not wear their seat belts. Teach your loved ones to always wear one regardless of where they sit in the car. Those in the driver’s seat, passenger’s seat and back seat are all at risk. Minimize it as much as you can by keeping this car accident statistic in mind and acting accordingly.
Unfortunately, the most recent U.S. car accident statistics shock most drivers and pedestrians living in the country. For instance, many do not know that pedestrian fatalities are commonly caused by cell phone distractions. Approximately one quarter of teenage accidents involve alcohol. These accidents along with all of the others that occur regularly cause the country hundreds of billions of dollars. The large number of occupants in car crashes who do not wear their seat belts surprises citizens as well. Keep these U.S. car accident statistics in mind and use them to improve the lives of today’s travelers.