Fatal Car Accident Statistics: Understanding the Leading Causes

The scene of a fatal car accident.

Fatal car accident statistics show that they remain a devastating issue in the United States, with significant impacts on families and communities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.19 million people are killed annually on roadways worldwide. In fact, road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5-29.

In Florida alone, the state’s Crash Dashboard reports 278,902 crashes so far in 2024, resulting in 2,172 fatalities and 179,994 injuries. Of these, 19,443 car accidents occurred in Palm Beach County, with 144 fatalities. These sobering statistics highlight the need for awareness around the leading causes of fatal accidents, understanding what happens to your body in a car crash, and how families can pursue a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident.

Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major factor in fatal car accidents. Whether it’s texting, eating, adjusting the GPS, or tending to passengers, these distractions reduce a driver’s focus. There are a few common types of distractions that can cause accidents:

  • Visual: taking your eyes off the road
  • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
  • Cognitive: taking your mind off driving

According to the CDC, over 3,100 people were killed and more than 424,000 were injured in the U.S. by distracted driving crashes in 2019. About 1 in 5 of the people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019 were not in vehicles―they were pedestrians walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle.

The Florida Wireless Communications While Driving Law, also known as the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law bans texting while driving to mitigate such risks. Fla. Stat. 316.305 allows law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations to drivers for texting and driving. While sending a quick text may seem harmless, distracted driving affects all of us, contributing to the most common car accident injuries. Drivers need to avoid visual, manual, and cognitive distractions to prevent a major car accident.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of fatal car accidents, dramatically increasing the severity of collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines speeding-related crashes as those where drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for conditions. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and worsen the effects of a car crash on the human body, leading to more severe injuries. Speeding not only increases the chances of a fatal car accident but can also lead to greater legal liability in an auto accident lawsuit.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a deadly issue. In Florida, a DUI occurs when a driver’s blood alcohol level is .08 or above. To review the complete statutory language, please refer to section 316.193, Florida Statutes –Driving under the influence; penalties. The consequences range from fines to imprisonment or restrictions on the driver’s vehicle.

When someone causes a fatal car accident while impaired, families of victims can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation. It’s essential to know that DUI has criminal and civil consequences, and a person injured by a drunk driver can pursue an auto accident lawsuit for damages. The car accident attorneys at Lipinski Law can help victims or their families through this difficult legal process.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or road rage frequently lead to fatal crashes. When drivers fail to respect the safety of others, they increase the likelihood of a major car accident. If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by reckless driving, pursuing a car accident settlementcan be key to recovering medical and other costs.

Weather Conditions

Weather such as rain, fog, and ice can also play a role in fatal accidents. Drivers must adjust their speed and remain cautious in poor conditions to avoid accidents. Understanding how weather can contribute to accidents and how to stay safe in these situations can help reduce fatalities.

Failure to Use Seatbelts and Proper Child Safety Seats

Wearing a seatbelt is crucial in preventing fatalities. Data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows that a large portion of fatal crashes involved passengers not wearing seatbelts. Wearing a seatbelt drastically reduces the chance of being ejected from the vehicle or suffering severe injuries in high-speed collisions. It’s also important to use appropriate child safety restraints as required by Florida law.

Car seats aren’t just for babies. Florida law (316.613 – Child restraint requirements) states that children ages 4 through 5 must be in a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat that matches their current age and size. Florida law requires children age 5 and under to be secured properly in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.

Florida law (316.614 – Safety belt usage) requires the use of seat belts or child restraint devices by drivers of motor vehicles, all front seat passengers, and all children riding in a vehicle under 18. Drivers and passengers 18 or older can be cited if they, or any passenger under the age of 18, are not properly strapped in. Drivers will be charged with a seat belt violation if any passenger under the age of 18 is not restrained with a seat belt or child restraint device.

Wear your lap belt around your hips and wear your shoulder belt across your chest. The seat belt will not work if it is tucked behind you. Seat belts save lives, but only if worn correctly every time you are in a car. In a crash, your seat belt keeps you:

  • From being ejected from the vehicle;
  • From being thrown against other passengers, the steering wheel or the windshield;
  • Behind the wheel where you can control the vehicle.

Age Trends

Age is a key factor in fatal accident statistics. Teenage drivers, particularly males, are at higher risk due to inexperience and risky behaviors. According to the Florida Teen Driver Fact Sheet, teen drivers throughout the United States were involved in approximately 1,035,811 crashes resulting in 4,405 fatalities and 319,335 serious injuries in 2020. Florida has more than 800,000 registered teen drivers, ages 15 to 19. In Florida, teen drivers were involved in 84,052 crashes resulting in 350 fatalities and 1,935 serious injuries in 2020.

A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found:

  • Teens were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in potentially risky behavior when driving with a peer versus driving alone.
  • The likelihood increased to three times when traveling with multiple passengers.
  • Safety belts were not worn in one-third of the fatalities and serious injuries involving these teen drivers.

Elderly drivers, while often experienced behind the wheel, face unique challenges that can increase their risk of accidents. As we age, various factors like slower reaction times, reduced vision, and diminished hearing can make it more difficult to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic. Conditions such as arthritis, cognitive decline, or even medications can impair an elderly driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, especially in complex traffic situations like merging lanes or navigating busy intersections.

When these accidents occur, families may be left dealing with the aftermath, including medical bills, emotional trauma, and vehicle damage. In such cases, seeking help from the best car accident attorney can be crucial. An experienced lawyer can guide families through the complexities of pursuing compensation, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the financial support needed to move forward.

Geographical and Environmental Factors

Rural areas see a disproportionate number of fatal accidents compared to urban settings. A 2024 study by the CDC found that motor vehicle crash deaths in rural areas are three to ten times higher than in urban areas. Poor road conditions, visibility issues, and obstacles on the road are more common in rural environments, contributing to fatal car accidents.

Impact on Families: Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one in a car accident is devastating, but pursuing a Florida wrongful death claim can help families recover damages for both economic and emotional losses. In Florida, survivors including a car accident victim’s spouse, children, or parents of a deceased minor child, can recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering under state law. It’s essential to consult an attorney experienced in wrongful death claims to navigate the complex legal process and secure a car accident settlement for your loss.

Steps to Reduce Fatal Car Accidents

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns like Put It Down: Focus on Driving help raise awareness about distracted driving and encourage safer behaviors behind the wheel. Public initiatives can reduce the number of fatal car accidents by targeting high-risk behaviors.
  2. Road Safety Tips: Practicing safer driving habits is key for reducing fatalities. These include always wearing a seatbelt at all times, avoiding distractions, driving at safe speeds, and never driving under the influence. Following these tips can prevent major car accidents and save lives.
  3. Technological Advancements: Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keeping assist and emergency braking. These technologies help drivers avoid collisions and reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents. As AI technology improves, it will likely play an even greater role in preventing accidents in the future.

Did you lose a loved one in a fatal car accident in Florida?

The loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating, and navigating the legal aftermath can be overwhelming. At Lipinski Law, we understand the profound emotional and financial toll that fatal accidents take on families, and we are here to support you through this difficult time.

Choosing Lipinski Law means working with a dedicated, trauma-informed team that has experience with fatal car accidents and wrongful death cases. We know the effects of a car crash on the human body can be catastrophic, and the emotional suffering families endure is immense. Our goal is to hold those responsible accountable, securing financial compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.

Contact Lipinski Law for a free, confidential consultation at lipinskilaw.com/contact/ or call us at 561-453-4800. Based in Jupiter, Florida, we proudly serve clients throughout Palm Beach County, including Jupiter, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach. We also handle wrongful death and other car accident cases across the state of Florida.

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