According to the latest car accidents statistics, the number one cause of fatalities was speeding. Nearly one-third of crashes involved two or more vehicles. Other causes included alcohol and drug use, failure to yield the right of way, and distraction. In fact, experts have begun to focus on the dangers of talking on a cell phone or texting while driving. These distractions are causing more accidents and deaths than ever.
The Institute of Insurance Safety tracks car accident statistics. In 2017, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents. The most fatal car accidents occurred in California, Texas, and Florida. Many accidents are preventable, including drunk driving, speeding, using a cell phone, and driving in hazardous weather. The most common causes of car accidents are the same as for other types of traffic accidents. The best way to avoid them is to follow the rules of the road.
While there are numerous causes of car accidents, the most common are driver errors, faulty infrastructure, and distracted driving. Statistics on pedestrian and bicycle deaths indicate that everyone is at risk of being involved in a collision. As a result, road safety policies must target all types of road users. The future of autonomous and shared transportation is looking bright, so too should our efforts to improve road safety. There’s no better time to make these changes than now.
According to the World Health Organization, over half of all fatalities in road traffic crashes occur in low and middle-income countries. The highest rate of car accidents in these regions is for drivers between ages 25 and 44. This percentage is higher than that of the general population. It is not surprising, however, that young people are more at risk of fatal crashes than older adults. Men also account for more fatal crashes than women.
