According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6.7 million car accidents in the United States in 2020. That means that there is a 1 in 10 chance that you will be involved in a car accident in any given year.
The risk of getting into a car accident is not evenly distributed. Some people are more likely to be involved in a crash than others. Factors that increase your risk of getting into a car accident include:
- Age: Teenagers and young adults are more likely to be involved in car accidents than other age groups.
- Gender: Men are more likely to be involved in car accidents than women.
- Race and ethnicity: African Americans and Native Americans are more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents than whites.
- Alcohol use: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are much more likely to be involved in a car accident.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are talking on their cell phones, texting, or eating are more likely to be involved in a car accident.
- Speeding: Drivers who are speeding are more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident.
- Reckless driving: Drivers who are engaging in reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or running red lights, are more likely to be involved in a car accident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a number of common mistakes that drivers make that can increase their risk of getting into a car accident. These mistakes include:
- Driving while intoxicated: Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and coordination, which makes you more likely to be involved in a car accident.
- Distracted driving: Talking on your cell phone, texting, or eating while driving takes your attention away from the road, which increases your risk of getting into a car accident.
- Speeding: Speeding gives you less time to react to hazards, which increases your risk of getting into a car accident.
- Reckless driving: Tailgating, running red lights, and other reckless driving behaviors increase your risk of getting into a car accident.
- Driving while tired: Driving when you are tired can impair your judgment and coordination, which increases your risk of getting into a car accident.
Why It Matters
Getting into a car accident can have a devastating impact on your life. In addition to the physical injuries that you may sustain, you may also experience financial losses, emotional distress, and lost productivity.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the total cost of car accidents in the United States in 2020 was $340 billion.
- The NHTSA also estimates that car accidents resulted in 42,915 deaths in 2020.
- Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States.
Benefits of Safe Driving
There are a number of benefits to driving safely. These benefits include:
- Reduced risk of injury or death: Driving safely reduces your risk of getting into a car accident, which in turn reduces your risk of injury or death.
- Lower insurance costs: Drivers who have a good driving record are eligible for lower insurance rates.
- Improved fuel economy: Driving safely can help you improve your fuel economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
The most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Alcohol use
- Driving while tired
What can I do to reduce my risk of getting into a car accident?
You can reduce your risk of getting into a car accident by doing the following:
- Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the most effective way to prevent serious injury or death in a car accident.
- Never drink and drive. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and coordination, which makes you more likely to be involved in a car accident.
- Avoid distractions. Talking on your cell phone, texting, or eating while driving takes your attention away from the road, which increases your risk of getting into a car accident.
- Obey the speed limit. Speeding gives you less time to react to hazards, which increases your risk of getting into a car accident.
- Drive defensively. Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers.
What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, you should do the following:
- Pull over to the side of the road. If possible, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the police. The police will investigate the accident and prepare a report.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s). Get the other driver(s)’ name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
- Take photos of the accident scene. If possible, take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle(s), and the accident scene.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Getting into a car accident can have a devastating impact on your life. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting into a car accident. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.