How likely are you to be in a car accident?
Have you ever wondered what your odds are of being in a crash each time you get behind the wheel? According to Driver Knowledge, roughly 6 million car accidents happen in the United States every year. Most aren’t fatal, but thousands of people still die on U.S. roads each year, mostly because of human error.
What causes most crashes
Over the decades, crash deaths have trended down, thanks largely to stronger vehicle designs and safety features like lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and brake assist. But technology can only do so much when a driver is careless or unprepared. These are among the most common causes of crashes:
- Distracted driving. The leading cause of crashes, killing roughly nine people a day. It’s not just phones: changing the radio, passing something to the back seat, and eating or drinking all count.
- Drunk driving. Still one of the top causes of accidents in the U.S. If you plan to drink, arrange a ride with a sober friend or a service like Uber or Lyft.
- Speeding. The second most common cause. The faster you go, the less time you have to react.
- Reckless driving. Going far over the limit, darting between lanes and driving aggressively.
- Bad weather. Dense fog, heavy rain, high winds and slick roads cause crashes, especially for inexperienced drivers or anyone unprepared for the conditions.
- Running red lights. Ignoring signals and road signs can lead to serious and fatal crashes.
- Driving at night. Low visibility makes hazards harder to see. Use your high beams on unlit roads when it’s safe and stay extra alert.
For practical ways to lower your risk, see 20 Ways to Prevent a Car Accident.
Oklahoma crash statistics (2018)
From the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office:
- 195 crashes a day, with 89 people injured daily and 1.8 deaths daily
- Statewide mileage death rate: 1.44 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
- 8 crashes every hour, or 1 crash every 7.4 minutes; 1 death every 13.4 hours
- More crashes on Fridays than any other day, in October than any other month, and between 5:00 and 5:59 p.m. than any other hour
- Total: 71,280 crashes, including 603 fatal crashes, 22,246 injury crashes and 48,431 property-damage-only crashes, with 655 deaths and 32,536 injuries
- Alcohol-related: 3,109 crashes (147 fatal, 1,265 injury), with 158 deaths and 1,887 injuries
- Unsafe speed: 8,581 crashes (123 fatal, 3,305 injury), with 133 deaths and 4,688 injuries
Texas crash statistics (2018)
From the Texas Department of Transportation:
- 1 person killed every 2 hours 25 minutes
- 1 person injured every 2 minutes 7 seconds
- 1 reportable crash every 58 seconds
- More crashes on Fridays, in October, and between 5:00 and 5:59 p.m. than at any other time
- Total: 543,537 crashes, with 3,639 deaths and 249,241 injuries
- 24,211 alcohol-related crashes and 27,949 unsafe-speed crashes
If you do end up in a crash, get checked out even if you feel okay. Accident Care and Treatment Center in Oklahoma City specializes in auto accident injuries, offers same-day appointments and walk-ins, and bills auto insurance directly. Call (405) 842-3209 or visit AccidentCare.com.