Car Accidents: Shocking Facts to Consider

When the time is taken to look closely at statistics surrounding car accidents, the result can be astounding. Statistics are a way of making sense of how a car accident can create huge issues for people especially when it comes to the expense of damages and injuries that were sustained. Car accident attorneys can confirm that there are a number of statistics that are rather alarming.

• Since 2007, the year of 2016 was the deadliest year for motor vehicle drivers on the road, estimating that more than 40,000 people died in car accidents. This statistic has increased by 14% from 2014.
• Recent increases in death tolls over the last 2 years is the largest increase of motor vehicle accidents in 50 years.
• In 2015, more than 4,693 people died from motorcycle accidents. This represents around 13% of all fatalities that occurred that year more than doubling the death toll reported in 1997.  
• Some of the death toll in motorcycle accidents is attributed to the lack of helmet laws in some states.
  • Currently, helmets are only required in 19 states.
  • Additional Statistics surrounding motorcycle deaths include:
    • 27% did not have a license
    • 91% were male
    • 27% were female
    • More than 41% of these accidents did not involve another vehicle

• Due to an uptick in technology, car accidents as the result of distracted driving are on the rise. Recent reports indicate that more than 660,000 drivers are accessing their mobile devices while on the road.
• In 2015, distracted driving accounted for 3,477 of all deaths.
• The cost from car accidents is exorbitant equating to more than Turkey’s gross domestic product.
• In 2010, the economic loss totaled to $871 billion, a number that is equivalent to 5% of the US’s gross domestic product.
• $277 billion are due to damages such as medical bills and car repairs.
• $594 billion are costs associated with societal losses such as lost lives, loss of future earning potential and a diminished quality of life.
• People are not consistent in using a seatbelt when driving in the car.
• Between 52-59% of all fatal accidents were the result of failure to wear a seatbelt.
• In 2015, seatbelts saved 14,000 lives.
• By wearing a seatbelt, risk of fatalities in motor vehicle accidents is reduced by around 50%.

It will be important as a driver on the road to do all that they can in preventing a car accident. When on the road, it will is vital to uphold your duty of care by being present, alert, and sober. It is also critical to always observe traffic laws as they are in place for a reason.

If you have suffered from a car accident, you don’t want to become a statistic. Contact a Fredericksburg VA car accident lawyer for help.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Martin Wren, P.C., for their insight into car accidents.