Being involved in a car accident can be an extremely traumatizing experience. If you are a responsible driver, you will have auto insurance to protect you in the case of a crash. Unfortunately, not everyone has auto insurance. In fact, according to the experts at Insurance.com, 29.7 million people are uninsured in any given year. This means that if you are in an accident through no fault of your own, you could still be facing a hefty financial burden. Here are five more facts about accidents that might surprise you.
1. Distracted Driving Causes Thousands of Accidents a Year
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving causes thousands of accidents every year. In 2017, 3,328 people were killed in crashes that were caused by distracted drivers. The most common type of distracted driving is texting behind the wheel. However, distracted driving can also be caused by eating or drinking while driving, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, and so much more. Any activity that has you taking your eyes off the road can be dangerous.
2. Rollover Accidents are the Most Deadly
The most severe injuries occur in rollover accidents. The occupants of vehicles that are involved in a rollover accident are often ejected from the car or suffer serious head injuries as a result of the crash. While rollover accidents only account for about three percent of all types of vehicle accidents, they account for more than 30 percent of all vehicular fatalities.
3. Temperature Makes a Difference
The weather can have a significant impact on driving. The NHTSA conducted a study on weather and driving and found a positive correlation between car accidents and temperature. While harsh winter road conditions often mean that there are fewer people on the road, those who are out driving in the elements are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. On average, 22 percent of all car accidents are related to the weather. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, learn what a car accident injury attorney can do for you.
4. Older Adults are at Higher Risk
The number of licensed drivers that are over the age of 65 continues to increase. This means that the number of accidents involving this population is also growing. Every day, more than 500 older drivers are injured in car accidents, with close to 15 dying from traffic accidents daily. Older drivers are just as likely to be involved in car accidents as younger drivers for any number of reasons, older drivers have some specific contributory factors, like physical and cognitive health challenges.
5. America is the World Leader in Car Accident Deaths
More Americans die from car accidents than any other high-income country in the world, according to the Center for Disease Control. Over the last decade, other countries have seen a steady decline in the number of traffic-related deaths, while those numbers continue to rise in the U.S. In 2017, approximately 92 people died every day from injuries they received from a car accident.
Car accidents, unfortunately, have become a common occurrence in our society. Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury and can result in severe physical harm. Don’t let an uninsured driver take you out of the game.
