According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the odds of dying in a car crash are about 1 in 93 as of 2022. Although these numbers may seem high, this is actually down from 1.38 per 100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled.
While the odds of dying in a car crash may seem high, motorists and passengers can take steps to protect themselves and others on the roadways by driving as safely as possible and adhering to all state and federal traffic rules and regulations. If you lost someone you love to a devastating motor vehicle wreck, our California wrongful death lawyers from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys may be able to help you through these difficult times and hold the liable party accountable.
Car Crash Fatality Statistics
California has some of the highest car accident fatality rates across the country. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were more than 4000 fatalities in 2021. Some of the other notable facts and stats surrounding car accidents include:
- California has seen close to 4000 fatal car accidents in 2024.
- The national car accident fatality rate is 4.4 deaths per 100,000 residents while California’s car accident fatality rate is slightly higher at 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents.
- California sees more than 250,000 car accidents annually.
- Younger drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have the highest motor vehicle accident crash rates.
- Between 20 and 50 million car accident injuries happen across the globe annually.
Factors Affecting the Odds
Multiple factors could have an impact on the odds of death after a motor vehicle accident. For instance, vehicles traveling at higher rates of speed may see higher fatality rates. At slower rates of speed, survival is higher but drops below 31% when drivers are traveling at or higher than 70 miles per hour. Other factors that could affect the odds of dying in a car crash include:
- How large the vehicle you are traveling in is.
- How large the vehicle that crashes into you is.
- Whether you are driving in dangerous weather conditions.
- The extent of the vehicle safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), or anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
- How old the drivers were.
- Whether involved drivers engage in dangerous driving behaviors such as distracted driving, tailgating, speeding, or aggressive driving.
- Whether the roads had potholes, paved roads, or were generally poorly maintained.
- Whether the involved parties were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
- How many vehicles were involved in the collision.
- Whether the drivers were men.
Safety Tips to Avoid Fatal Injuries
If you hope to avoid causing a fatal car accident or losing someone you love in a collision, there are several ways you can protect yourself and others. Some of our top safety tips to avoid fatal injuries include:
- Avoid drowsy driving
- Consider the effects of medications, even over-the-counter medications
- Drive a safe vehicle
- Follow all traffic laws
- Maintain your vehicle
- Never drive while impaired
- Practice defensive driving
- Wear your seatbelt
Step-by-Step Accident Prevention Strategies
Although you may not be able to control how other drivers operate their vehicles, there are some steps you can take to prevent collisions. Here are some step-by-step accident prevention strategies that may help you avoid suffering fatal or catastrophic injuries in a car crash:
- Always drive as safely as possible. Do not use your cell phone or get behind the wheel when you have consumed drugs or alcohol. Always follow traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits.
- Understand your car’s limitations. Do not attempt to push your car beyond what it can physically handle, especially if it is an older vehicle. Make sure to properly maintain your car so it is always in good working order.
- Always use your windshield wipers when you are driving in inclement weather and keep your car’s headlights on when driving in poor weather conditions, in the early morning, or at night.
- Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists can take steps to prevent fatal injuries by wearing helmets and other necessary safety equipment.
Connect With a Top-Rated California Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
Although you cannot do anything to control how other motorists on the roadways drive, you can do your part to reduce the number of car accident fatalities by driving as safely as possible. By practicing defensive driving and following rules and regulations designed to protect motorists and passengers, you may be able to protect yourself and prevent fatalities.
If you were critically injured in a motor vehicle accident or lost a loved one due to fatal car accident injuries, a premier California personal injury attorney from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys may be able to help you demand justice. Fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
