Motor vehicle accidents remain commonplace on roads throughout the nation. During 2020 when a pandemic changed the world, more than 35,000 car accidents took lives. Injury-related collisions almost reached $1.6 million, and more than 3.6 million resulted in property damages. In total, 5,250,837 accidents happened that year
Common causes that top the list include excessive speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. The latter represents one of the more frightening statistics. More than a third of all fatal car accidents result from impaired driving. On their own, intoxicated operators account for 13,695 deaths on roads nationwide.
After-dark operation
Driving at night is particularly perilous, with 67 percent of drunk driving crashes occurring in the evening hours. Twenty-three percent took place while the sun was up. In specific states, Montana tops the list of DUI deaths, accounting for 52 percent of fatalities.
Disregarding speed limits
Speeding is a well-known cause of death on the road. Even the soberest driver traveling at significant speeds can do as much damage as a drunk driver. Nearly 30 percent of all road fatalities are caused by excessive speeding. South Carolina leads the pack, with 46 percent of deadly accidents resulting from excessive speeding.
A lack of restraint
Despite laws throughout the nation, seatbelts continue to be more of an “option” for far too many drivers. A lack of restraint increases the odds of fatalities. Forty-six percent of drivers in fatal crashes failed to buckle up. Passengers foregoing seatbelts accounted for 47 percent of deaths.
Dangers on the holiday road
Festive events also play a role in life-ending crashes. Independence Day is the most common, with the average annual statistic at 134. Labor Day weekend is not far behind, with 128 fatal crashes on average annually.
Regardless of the time of day, month, or year, life-ending collisions devastate loved ones and often require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.