If you are wondering whether or not car accidents are common in the USA, you might want to consider these facts. These statistics show that between 1913 and 2020, there have been a dramatic reduction in the number of vehicle deaths, and in some cities, the car accident fatality rate has even decreased by 95%. It is also important to note that the age and sex of a driver does have an impact on the probability of being involved in an auto accident. However, there are some cities that have committed to eliminating vehicle fatalities, and the results have been promising.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is the practice of using a cell phone, texting, eating, changing clothes, or performing other activities while operating a vehicle. It is often illegal to do so, and it can lead to fines, suspension of a license, points on your driving record, or even jail time.
Cell phones and texting are the most common distractions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified three different types of distracted driving. Each type involves a different distraction: manual, visual, and cognitive.
These distractions can be as simple as looking at a billboard or a computer screen, or as complex as a conversation with passengers. Inattention can result in a rollover or head-on collision.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most dangerous driving habits. It can result in serious car accidents and even fatalities. In fact, speeding is a factor in one in three fatal crashes.
Speeding also reduces the effectiveness of road safety equipment like seat belts and airbags. In addition, driving too fast increases the chances of losing control and causing a rollover accident. The risk of dying in a crash doubles for every 10 mph increase in speed.
Speeding is a common occurrence on American roads. More than 1 in 3 fatal crashes involved a driver traveling at least 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
However, the most interesting thing about speeding is how much it affects other drivers. When you’re speeding, you’re less likely to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Additionally, you may lose sight of oncoming vehicles as you’re turning.
Age and sex affect chances of being in a car accident
Age and sex are factors that affect the risk of being involved in a car accident. However, there are other factors that contribute to the risk of a fatal car crash.
For example, male drivers have a greater propensity to drive under the influence of alcohol than women do. This can have negative effects on the driver and passengers. In addition, males are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding. The number of crashes caused by these behaviors is also higher for males.
Gender differences in the risk of being in a car accident have been studied in numerous studies. These studies have mainly examined the likelihood of experiencing a severe crash. Some studies have shown that the proportion of crashes involving single-vehicle crashes, such as rollovers, increased with age.
Vehicle deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles decreased by 95% between 1913 and 2020
Motor vehicle fatalities increased in 2020, compared to the year before. The number of fatalities in the US increased by 7.2 percent, according to NHTSA early estimates. For the year, 38,680 people died on the roads.
Overall, the percentage of total traffic fatalities dropped in a number of states. But, in some regions, the increase was much higher. In the first quarter of 2022, 29 states experienced more traffic deaths than in the same period in the previous year.
While many factors affect motor vehicle fatalities, speeding is a major contributor. Speeding-related fatalities increased by 2.0 percent in April. Another factor contributing to the overall rise in motor vehicle crashes is the better economy.
Cities that have committed to eliminating car fatalities have shown promising results
During a recent study, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that some cities are making significant progress towards eliminating fatal car crashes. While the numbers are not perfect, they do suggest that it is possible to make the road a safer place.
A handful of cities have already committed to this goal and have made notable strides. But there are still many cities in the United States where traffic fatalities remain a problem.
One of these places is Los Angeles, where the mayor recently signed an executive order committing the city to eliminating traffic fatalities by 2025. The program focuses on improving safety around high-risk intersections.
Another is San Francisco, where the city has a lofty goal of ending street deaths by 2024. The city is using an interdisciplinary approach to improve data collection and analysis. This includes linking trauma center data to police department statistics.
