Car Accident Facts, Statistics, and Tips
Here are some things to consider while driving in order to make you a better and safer driver.
- Avoid tailgating.
- Stay at least three seconds behind the driver ahead of you.
- Don’t forget to use directional signals when making turns and changing lanes.
- Don’t hinder the traffic flow; if someone wants to get by, let them instead of making them trail you too closely. The right lane is generally designated for slower moving traffic.
- Follow the speed limit when conditions permit.
- Use your rearview and side mirrors to help you plan ahead for your next move.
- If you have the ambition to become a better driver than you currently are, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course.
Automobile Accident Facts:
- Car crashes claim 400,000 lives every year
- Fatal car accidents serve as the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 34
- Every day, approximately 115 people die from motor vehicle accidents
- Damages from auto crashes total $150 billion annually
- Every person is likely to experience at least one car accident during their lifetime
Florida Automobile Accident Facts: 2007
- Total Traffic Crashes – 256,206
- On average, there were 702 crashes each day
- Drivers involved in accidents – 366,917
- Mileage Death Rate (per 100 million vehicle miles traveled) – 1.57
- Traffic deaths – 3,221
- Fatal traffic accidents – 2,947
- Injuries from traffic crashes – 212,149
- Accidents resulting in injuries – 135,601
- Accidents resulting in property damage only – 117,658
- Alcohol-related accidents – 22,823
- Drug-related accidents – 1,252
- Pedestrian accidents – 8,129
- Bicycle accidents – 4,847
- Motorcycle crashes – 9,205
- Drivers ages 15 to 19, were involved in more traffic accidents than the other age groups and had more fatal crashes
- Drivers, ages 20 to 24, had the highest rate of alcohol-related accidents
- 21-year-old drivers had the highest involvement rate in all crashes and in fatal crashes involving alcohol
- Most traffic accidents occurred on Fridays during the 5:00 PM hour
- Most fatal crashes happened on Saturdays during the 7:00 PM hour
