According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42,939 people died on U.S. roads in 2021, the latest year full data is available. The NHTSA also reports that a whopping 250 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
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While we are sometimes powerless to prevent auto accidents due to causes outside of our control — such as another driver’s fault or bad weather — we can understand the commonalities surrounding crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Below, we’ll explore the seasons, days and times that auto accidents are most likely to occur, the contributing factors that make crashes more likely, and finally, what drivers can do to limit their risk. After all, an informed driver is always better prepared to navigate the hazards.
While car crashes occasionally happen by no fault of either driver, the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Motor Vehicle Management reports that 98% of crashes are caused by human error. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
Crashes are more common on the weekends — when more drivers are out on the road, and many more are under the influence of alcohol. The U.S. National Security Council reports that, on average in 2021, “fatal car crashes were more frequent on weekends, peaking on Saturday. The number of nonfatal crashes tended to be higher on weekdays, peaking on Friday.”
Among both fatal and nonfatal crashes, more crashes occurred between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7:59 p.m., accounting for rush hour — when drivers can be prone to aggressive driving, speeding, or distractions like their cellphones.
The NSC notes that peak times can vary throughout the year. During the spring and summer seasons, fatal car accidents were more common during the later evening, between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight. Nonfatal crashes in the summer are most common from noon to 3:59 pm, which may be explained by the rush to get to summer festivities (and the alcohol that may be involved in those plans).
Car accidents can happen anywhere, but according to the NHTSA, most car crashes happen within just a five-mile radius of the victim’s residence. Familiarity can breed carelessness if drivers aren’t aware of this statistic. Even though you may know where you’re headed, it’s easy to forget that road hazards can constantly present themselves in new ways, and a driver’s full attention is always necessary.
Accidents also frequently occur:
While living and working in the Golden State can be a wonderful experience, driving in California presents its own unique set of challenges. If you drive in the state, you should be aware of crash data released by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The latest data on 2021 crashes and fatalities reveals some alarming trends. Consider the following:
While drivers are sometimes powerless in preventing car accidents, there are a certain number of factors within our control. We can always aim to stay alert, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and adjust our driving behavior during adverse weather conditions. As you’re making your way to all the places you need to be, keep the following safety tips in mind:
