Accident Trends Over Time

• Fatalities: In 2022, there were 42,795 motor vehicle-related deaths in the U.S., reflecting a 30% increase from 2013. ​
• Historical Perspective: Between 1913 and 2022, motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. surged by 996%, from 4,200 to 46,027. However, considering the increase in vehicles and miles driven, the death rate per 10,000 registered vehicles decreased by 95% during the same period. 

• Fatalities by Month: In 2022, October recorded the highest number of crash deaths (3,973), while February had the fewest (2,987). ​
• Death Rates per Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): The lowest death rates per 100 million VMT occurred in March and April, peaking in September. This metric accounts for variations in monthly mileage, offering a more accurate risk assessment. 

• Day of the Week: Approximately 49% of crash deaths in 2022 happened on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, with Saturday being the most fatal day (7,682 deaths). 
• Time of Day: About one-third (32%) of crash deaths occurred between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

• Pandemic Impact: Traffic fatalities increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching the highest levels since 2005. Factors contributing to this surge include reduced road congestion leading to riskier driving behaviors and perceived lower enforcement of traffic laws. ​
• Recent Trends: In the first half of 2024, an estimated 18,720 people died in motor vehicle crashes, a slight decrease from 19,330 deaths in the same period of 2023, yet still higher than pre-pandemic figures. 

From 1990 to 2022, the United States witnessed fluctuations in motor vehicle fatalities. In 1990, there were approximately 44,599 deaths, which slightly decreased to 42,795 by 2022. Despite population growth and increased vehicle miles traveled, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has generally declined, indicating improvements in road safety over the decades. ​

• Seat Belt Laws: The enactment of mandatory seat belt laws has significantly reduced fatalities. Studies indicate that seat belts reduce the risk of death for front-seat passengers by approximately 45%. ​
• Alcohol-Impaired Driving Laws: Lowering the allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and implementing strict DUI enforcement have led to a substantial decrease in alcohol-related crashes. From 1982 to 1997, alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities decreased by 39%.

Advancements in vehicle safety features have played a pivotal role in reducing fatalities:​

• Airbags and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS): The widespread adoption of airbags and ABS has decreased the severity of injuries in crashes.​
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features like lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control have contributed to preventing accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that vehicle safety developments helped raise the annual number of lives saved from 115 in 1960 to 27,621 in 2012.

Winter vs. Summer Accidents:

• Winter Months: Northern states experience higher crash rates during winter due to icy and snowy conditions, leading to increased skidding and reduced vehicle control.​
• Summer Months: While overall crash rates may decrease, the severity often increases due to higher travel speeds and longer trips, contributing to fatigue-related incidents.​

Holiday Spikes:

Holidays often see a surge in traffic volume, leading to increased accidents:​

• Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year's: These periods witness higher incidents of alcohol-impaired driving.​
• Memorial Day and July 4th: The onset of summer travel correlates with a rise in crashes, often linked to speeding and congested roadways.​

Back-to-School Effects:

August and September mark the return to school, leading to increased pedestrian and bus-related accidents, especially in school zones during morning and afternoon hours.

Rush Hour vs. Late Night:

• Rush Hour (4 PM to 7 PM): Higher traffic density leads to an increased frequency of accidents, primarily rear-end collisions.​
• Late Night (Midnight to 3 AM): Despite lower traffic volumes, the fatality rate is higher due to factors like alcohol impairment and fatigue.​

Weekend vs. Weekday Risks:

• Weekends: There's a notable increase in DUI-related fatalities, with Saturday often recording the highest number of fatal crashes.​
• Weekdays: Commuter traffic contributes to a higher number of accidents, though these are typically less severe than weekend incidents.

Urban vs. Rural Crashes:

• Rural Areas: While traffic density is lower, rural areas experience higher fatality rates due to factors like higher travel speeds, longer emergency response times, and a lower likelihood of seat belt usage.​
• Urban Areas: Higher traffic volumes lead to more frequent accidents, but these are often less severe due to lower speeds and quicker medical response.​

Highway vs. Local Roads:

• Highways: Characterized by higher speeds, highways see more severe multi-vehicle collisions.​
• Local Roads: These roads have a higher incidence of pedestrian and cyclist accidents, often at intersections and crosswalks.​

Construction Zones:

Work zones present unique hazards, including abrupt lane shifts and the presence of workers, leading to increased crash rates. Drivers are urged to reduce speeds and stay alert in these areas.

Cost of Crashes:

In 2019, motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. resulted in an economic cost of $340 billion. This encompasses medical expenses, legal costs, lost productivity, and property damage. ​

Employment & Productivity Loss:

Accident-related injuries and fatalities lead to significant workforce disruptions, with long-term disabilities affecting productivity and placing financial strains on families and businesses.