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You’ve probably heard that most car accidents happen close to home, but is that really true? And beyond location, what everyday habits or situations actually put you most at risk behind the wheel?
Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyer shares some alarming statistics for Florida, Palm Beach County, and the U.S. overall to help you understand the risk factors of certain locations and scenarios, and what to do when the worst happens and you are injured in a car accident.
Surprising traffic accident statistics that will change your driving habits
Did you know that the average driver is involved in three to four accidents in their lifetime? From a fender bender to a multi-car pile-up, that’s a lot of opportunities for a serious injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a recent year, there were over 37,000 traffic fatalities in the United States, and a further 1.7 million people were injured in a crash. Your chance of dying in a car accident is about 12.21 in 100,000, per the NHTSA.
The National Safety Council (NSC) breaks this down even further:
- 19,937 crashes every day
- 831 motor vehicle accidents each hour
- 14 wrecks every minute
- 2 auto crashes every 10 seconds
Closer to home, Palm Beach County accounts for about 7% of the total number of crashes in Florida each year, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Dying in a car crash is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. While fatal car collisions get the most attention, a non-fatal crash is far more likely.
With statistics like these, you’re probably wondering how you can reduce your risk.
Demographics and driving behavior: Who is most at risk?
Teen drivers, while they represent less than 4% of licensed drivers in the U.S., account for 6.5% of drivers in fatal crashes, and 8.7% of drivers in crashes overall, according to the NSC. Teenage boys have a crash rate three times higher than that of teen girls.
Older drivers, those aged 70 and up, also have a higher crash rate than other demographics. Hearing and vision difficulties and slower reaction times contribute to the higher instances of accidents involving seniors.
Men account for about 70% of all fatal crashes, while women have a 26% higher rate of causing a non-fatal collision.
Top preventable causes of car crashes in Florida
The best way to prevent being involved in a fatal or injurious car collision is to understand how they happen and what actions are more likely to result in a crash.
Car crash risk factors include:
Distracted driving
Any activity that diverts your eyes or attention away from the road, or requires taking your hands off the wheel to complete, is a distraction. This includes using a mobile device, eating or drinking, programming or looking at your GPS, or checking out a digital billboard.
It takes less than 5 seconds to check out an incoming text message—the same time it would take to drive the length of a football field blindfolded. Texting and driving is one of the leading distractions for drivers of all ages, and it’s easily the most preventable.
Reckless driving and aggressive behavior
Tailgating a slow driver in the left lane, weaving in and out of traffic on Okeechobee Boulevard or Broadway, or aggressively cutting someone off when changing lanes are dangerous driving behaviors that can cause a wreck. Frustration and road rage increase the likelihood of someone engaging in dangerous driving behaviors.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drunk driving accounts for about 30% of all car crash fatalities. Unfortunately, it’s usually the sober drivers who suffer worse than the driver who decided to get behind the wheel after a few cocktails. Driving under the influence of drugs is also a leading cause of deadly collisions; even prescription medications may warn against operating heavy machinery, like driving, after taking them.
Inclement weather and poor road conditions
Rain and storms reduce visibility for drivers. It’s safer to drive slower than the posted speed limit and turn your headlights on when driving in inclement weather or at night, so you have more time to see hazards and avoid them.
Even with the best precautions, there’s always a risk that other drivers may not be as careful as you are. It’s important to know your rights after a wreck.
Know your rights after a crash
Even the safest drivers can’t always avoid a collision caused by someone else’s carelessness. When you’re injured in a crash, it’s important to understand your legal rights and know what options are available to recover your losses.
Have you been hurt in a car accident you didn’t cause? Even with your PIP, you have the right to file a lawsuit for damages against the at-fault driver in West Palm Beach if your injuries are severe. We can help you. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 or contact us online for a free consultation.