Car Accident Statistics
It is common knowledge that auto accidents are a real risk on today’s roads and highways. Every day, Americans all over the country travel public roadways to get to work, school or other destinations. Safety is a top priority, but collisions still happen.
The United States government established the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to oversee the public’s wellbeing and set standards for motor vehicle and highway safety. This agency works every day to find ways to decrease the incidence of car accidents and improve travel conditions for the nation.
In June 2014, the NHTSA released car accident statistics for the year 2012. Below is a brief overview of the statistics in the latest report.
Fatal Car Accident Statistics in the U.S., specifically CT, MA and RI
The NHTSA recorded 33,561 traffic accident fatalities in 2012 that were reported across the United States. This statistic shows a three percent increase over similar findings in 2011.
Thirty-seven of the 50 states showed increases in traffic fatality rates in 2012.
- Rhode Island saw a three percent decrease from 2011.
- Massachusetts saw a seven percent decrease.
- and, Connecticut saw a seven percent increase.
Thirty-one percent of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver, described as a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above.
The percentages for drunk driving broke down like this.
- 36 percent of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver in Connecticut.
- 35 percent involved an alcohol-impaired driver in Massachusetts.
- and, 38 percent involved an alcohol-impaired driver in Rhode Island.
Of fatal traffic accidents in the United States, 10,219 were related to speeding.
- 39 of the 236 fatal accidents in Connecticut.
- 106 of the 349 in Massachusetts.
- and, 31 of the 64 in Rhode Island.
Thirty-two percent of light-truck occupants involved in motor vehicle accidents were unrestrained (not wearing a seatbelt), while 29 percent of passenger car occupants were unrestrained.
Fatalities in rural crashes during that year increased by 2.3 percent while fatalities in urban crashed increased by 4.9 percent.
Large truck accidents accounted for 3,921 of the total fatalities in 2012, a 3.7 percent increase from 2011. There were 4,743 pedestrian fatalities in 2012, which made up 14 percent of the total traffic fatalities for the year.
These types of statistics, while unpleasant and morbid in nature, allow the NHTSA to study trends in motor vehicle deaths and initiate measures to control or decrease the number of people who lose their lives on American roadways each day.
Other Car Accident Statistics
While a large portion of the car accident statistics report focused on traffic fatalities, injuries accidents also are of interest and give insight into the nature and incidence of car accidents.
For example, there were a total of 5,584,000 non-fatal crashes reported in 2012, with 1,634,000 of those involving injuries, and 3,950,000 involving property damage only. In these accidents, 2.36 million vehicle occupants were injured, showing an increase of 6.5 percent from 2011.
If in a Car Accident, Seek Help from Rob Levine & Associates
These car accident statistics give a general picture of the fatal accidents and injury crashes throughout the U.S., providing some insight regarding the related risk factors in these accidents.
If you find yourself among the millions of people every year in a car accident, contact an attorney who can help you recover compensation for injuries, property damage or lost wages. Rob Levine and Associates can help, so call 800-LAW-1222 to schedule a free consultation.
