Statistics on Auto Accidents and Deaths From Car Accidents
Car accidents are on the rise in many states of America, including in Tucson, Arizona. Car-related deaths have increased by up to 3% in recent years. The question is, why? One of the most likely causes for this increase is driving more than ever before.
Many people believe that if we drive less, fatalities will decrease. But it’s not quite as simple as that. However, whenever another motorist leads you to an accident, seek help from a Tucson Accident Attorney.
Statistics on Number of Accidents and Fatalities
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 34,016 people died in car accidents, and almost 3.7 million were injured due to motor vehicle crashes in 2014 alone. The number of deaths resulting from accidents has been falling since reaching its peak at 55,000 fatalities back in 1972. However, car accidents are still the leading cause of death among young people between 3 and 33.
Statistics on Age Group
The most common age group for these accidents is also one of the most concerning. Drivers between the ages of 15-24 have a significantly higher rate of fatal wrecks than any other age bracket. These drivers account for around 10% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but they are involved in about 17% of fatal accidents. Statistics indicate that male drivers make up 57 percent of all fatalities resulting from car crashes, while women account for 43%.
Statistics on Gender
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), males are also more likely to be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, results from a questionnaire distributed by Liberty Mutual suggest that men are much more likely to have driven recklessly within the past 30 days than their female counterparts.
Which Preventative Measures Curb Road Accidents?
So how do we curb the number of deaths caused by car accidents? Many agree that education is a crucial component, but responsibility for safety must also fall on drivers’ shoulders. Whether paying attention to your speed or always using your turn signal when changing lanes, every driver should be aware of what can cause an accident and how to prevent it.
People need to stick to the best road practices. Statistics show that most traffic fatalities result from people taking their eyes off the road at critical times. For example, texting while driving can increase your risk for an accident by more than twenty times.
Driving under the influence has also become increasingly common recently, and it’s essential to blame for particular accidents around the country. NHTSA reports that some 10,000 more people died in drunk driving accidents in 2014 than they did the previous year.
In many cases, it’s a matter of being aware of your surroundings and being prepared for anything. NHTSA reports that most cars have between 70-80% blind spots where an accident can occur if you don’t check your mirrors.
Driving is a vital part of our society, but it’s also the leading cause of death among young people. When you’re on the road, it’s essential to be aware of what could happen and how you can prevent it. It’s always best to stick to safe driving practices like maintaining eye contact with the road at all times, checking for blind spots, and obeying speed limits. If another party involves you in an accident, be quick to find a lawyer.