Crash Causes

Definition: Engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, such as using mobile phones, eating, or adjusting in-car technologies.
Impact: Distracted driving is a significant contributor to motor vehicle crashes. In 2018, distracted driving was responsible for 2,688 fatal crashes.

Definition: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions.
Impact: Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of crashes. In 2018, speeding was a factor in 12,974 fatal crashes, accounting for a significant portion of traffic-related deaths.

Definition: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Impact: Impaired driving significantly affects judgment and reaction times. In 2018, alcohol-impaired driving resulted in 10,011 fatal crashes. Drug-impaired driving affects motor skills and judgment, leading to increased accident risk. Specific statistics on drug-impaired driving-related accidents are not provided in the available data.

Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety, including aggressive behaviors like tailgating, frequent lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals.
Impact: Reckless driving increases the likelihood of collisions and endangers all road users. Specific statistics on reckless driving-related fatalities are not provided in the available data.

Definition: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and ice affecting road traction and visibility.
Impact: Weather-related hazards can lead to increased accident rates due to reduced vehicle control and visibility. In 2005, rain was a factor in 4,202 fatal crashes.

Definition: Failing to stop at a red traffic signal.
Impact: This behavior often leads to side-impact collisions at intersections, which can be particularly severe. Specific statistics on fatalities caused by running red lights are not provided in the available data.

Definition: Operating a vehicle during nighttime hours.
Impact: Reduced visibility at night increases the risk of accidents. In 2018, 22,517 fatal crashes occurred during dark conditions, accounting for a significant portion of traffic-related deaths.

Definition: Flaws in vehicle design or manufacturing that compromise safety.
Impact: Defective vehicle components can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Specific statistics on accidents caused by design defects are not provided in the available data.

Definition: Following another vehicle too closely.
Impact: Tailgating reduces the time available to react to sudden stops, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Specific statistics on tailgating-related accidents are not provided in the available data.

Definition: Driving against traffic flow or making illegal turns.
Impact: Such actions can lead to head-on collisions, which are often severe due to the combined speeds of both vehicles. Specific statistics on accidents caused by wrong-way driving or improper turns are not provided in the available data.

Definition: Drivers aged 15–20 years.
Impact: Inexperience and risk-taking behaviors contribute to higher crash rates among teenage drivers. In 2018, drivers aged 15–20 were involved in 6,944 fatal crashes.

Definition: Depressions or holes in the roadway surface. A sudden loss of tire pressure leading to tire failure. Animals entering the roadway unexpectedly.
Potholes Impact: Potholes can cause drivers to lose control or sustain vehicle damage, leading to accidents. In 2018, poor road conditions, including potholes, were a factor in 208 fatal crashes.
Tire Blowouts Impact: Blowouts can cause drivers to lose control, especially at high speeds, resulting in accidents. In 2018, tire blowouts were a factor in 165 fatal crashes.
Animal Crossings Impact: Collisions with animals, particularly large ones like deer, can cause significant vehicle damage and injuries. In 2018, animal-related collisions resulted in 130 fatal crashes.