How Many Car Accidents Per Year Occur in the U.S.?

Statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that car accidents happen frequently. So, what are the car accident statistics and how many car accidents per year happen in the US?

How Often Do Car Accidents Happen?

Car Accident Statistics

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, 37,000 people die annually due to car accidents. Additionally, 2.35 million people are injured or disabled due to car crashes. Children under 15 account for 1,600 traffic fatalities, while the fatality rate for people ages 16-20 is nearly 8,000 annually. 

While technical and legislative changes have been addressed to reduce fatal accident rates, many car accidents are due to driver impairment or behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 29 deaths every day in the U.S. that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Numbers for 2014 put total DUI crash fatalities at 9,967, accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic accidents in the country that year. 

These numbers are overwhelming. With over 200 million drivers on the road, the unimaginable can happen in a split second. Drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians are at risk of fatal injuries at every moment. Therefore, it is important to understand the rules of the road and how to handle various situations to avoid crash deaths and car accidents. 

Safe Driving Tips

• Wear your seat belt at all times. Get in the habit of buckling up as soon as you enter the vehicle.
• Obey all speed limits and signs.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These days, there are great options when it comes to getting a ride. Whether you order an Uber or Lyft ride share, call a local car service or taxi, or ask a friend to give you a ride, there are various options. Getting on the road if you are impaired can have a negative impact on your life, and the lives of others, for years to come. 
• Keep your eyes moving. Get used to being aware of what is happening on all sides of the road. Also, check your rear view mirror regularly.
• Know that other drivers will make mistakes and drive irresponsibly. It is important for you to be alert and ready to react in a manner that keeps everyone on the road safe. While you may be angry with the other drivers or pedestrians, causing an accident on purpose will result in bigger problems.
• When approached by an emergency vehicle, pull over to the right of the road and stop.
• When driving on multi-lane roads or highways, know that the left-most lanes are for passing only. If you do not intend to pass a vehicle, stay in the right lanes.

Car Safety Check

Before driving a vehicle, and especially in bad weather conditions, do a simple car safety check.

1. Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure all lights are working properly.
2. Make sure your turn signal indicators, or blinkers, are working.
3. Check that there is no sign of fluid leaks or things hanging from the vehicle.
4. Don’t forget your tires. If they look flat, stop by a gas station or repair shop for air before driving long distances.

Next, adjust mirrors before you get on the road. To adjust the left mirror, place your head against the left window and adjust the mirror so that you can just see the left side of the car. For the right side, move your head towards the center of the car and adjust the mirror the same way. This will help reduce your blind spots.

Car Accident Lawyer Free Consultation in the United States (US)

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to damages under the law.

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