For a long time, fatal car accident rates in the U.S. were falling. This shift began in the 1970s as safety features like seat belts and airbags increased. However, starting in 2020, the number of fatal car accidents began to increase significantly.
1. Driving while intoxicated
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a factor in between 10,000 and 13,000 car accident deaths per year. Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and others on the road.For this reason, driving under the influence is illegal in all 50 states. Even first-time offenses can lead to heavy fines, felony charges, loss of license, and other penalties.
2. Speeding
Excessive speeding is a factor in between 10,000 and 12,000 car accident deaths a year. Speed limits are established for a reason. Exceeding them increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of injuries. A higher volume of vehicles on the road does not necessarily lead to an increase in accidents, provided that they are following the speed limits. A study found that the number of cars speeding on the road is the greatest predictor of the number of accidents that will occur. And for those excessive speeders furiously weaving in and out of traffic, in most cases, it’s only saving them an average of 2 minutes.
3. Weather-related conditions
The first cause on this list is not related to drivers themselves: inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, contribute to over 5,000 car accident deaths per year. In fact, weather-related car accidents kill more people than large-scale weather disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
Rain and wet pavement reduce friction on the road and are the top two contributors to weather-related automobile crashes. These are followed by winter weather hazards and fog, which reduce visibility.
4. Reckless driving
Reckless driving, characterized by aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, running red lights, and otherwise disregarding traffic rules, contributes to nearly 5,000 car accident deaths annually. Essentially, reckless driving means driving without concern for the safety of other people or property.
Depending on the severity of the offense, reckless driving can result in substantial fines or even imprisonment.
5. Distracted driving
Distracted driving contributes to around 3,500 driving deaths a year. With the ubiquity of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers often succumb to the temptation of texting, browsing, or engaging in phone calls while behind the wheel.
Often, people fail to consider the danger and imagine they will just momentarily glance away from the road to read a text or check their directions. However, if you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour, that’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Wrapping up
Understanding the primary causes of fatal car accidents in the U.S. is essential for promoting road safety. By addressing issues such as distracted driving, speeding, DUI, reckless driving, and weather-related conditions, drivers can play an active role in preventing accidents and safeguarding lives. Adhering to traffic laws, staying focused, and adopting responsible driving habits are essential steps toward creating a safer and more secure road environment for all.