Fatal Car Crashes: The Stats as of 2023
Fatal car crashes are on the rise across the country, as reported recently by USA Today. From 2018 to 2022, the number of fatal accidents rose from 36,835 to 42,795, an increase of 16%. While accidents can happen anywhere, some states are hotspots for deadly crashes.
Texas, California, and Florida had the most fatal car crashes in 2022, most likely due to their high population numbers and influx of tourists. Texas, which saw 4,496 deadly crashes, also has the most lane miles, 70% more than the next highest, California. California came in a close second with 4,407 fatal crashes. Florida had 3,652. By contrast, Rhode Island had just 54; it also has the lowest number of road miles.
Here in our region, New York was lower down on the list, due to its low rate of car ownership. The state had 1,148 fatal crashes, just a bit more than Pennsylvania, which came in at 1,191, a 20% increase since 2019. New Jersey had 701, a 34% increase since 2019. Vermont saw the largest increase overall, 75%, in deadly crashes between 2019 and 2022. Even so, that put the state at just 77 fatal crashes.
When the number of accidents is compared to the number of people in the state, the list shifts slightly. Mississippi has the highest overall rate of fatal car crashes in 2022 with 34 deaths per 100,000 registered vehicles. That’s more than double the U.S. average of 16. South Carolina came in second at 24 deadly crashes per 100,000 registered vehicles.
The article also delved into additional statistics on fatal crashes:
- Teens are especially at risk; crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 13-19, and teen drivers ages 16-19 are more likely to die in a car crash than those who over the age of 20.
- Speeding contributed to 29% of car deaths in 2021. In Pennsylvania, 40% of all fatal crashes were related to speeding, putting the commonwealth in the top four in the country, tied with South Carolina and topped only by Vermont and Hawaii.
- More than a third of crashes in the U.S. involved alcohol, with 31% of drivers having a blood alcohol content level of 0.08% or more. The number of fatal crashes involving alcohol increased 32% since 2019. Texas had the most alcohol-related fatalities at 1,942.
- October is the month with the most fatal car accidents, however, summer is the deadliest season overall.
- Weekends tend to have more fatal crashes than weekdays.
- Most deadly accidents happen between 5 pm and 11 pm.
Regardless of state, age, or time of year, if you were involved in a car accident and suffered injury because someone else was negligent – such as another driver, or even a car manufacturer - you may be able to obtain compensation for your losses.
Why not speak with a top Philadelphia motor vehicle accident attorney to better understand your legal rights?