An estimate of one car crash happens every five seconds in the U.S., but what does that mean for drivers? Let’s break down the frequency of car accidents daily and shed some light on safety, awareness, and the need for legal action.
At The Personal Injury Lawyers™, we support crash victims every day, and the statistics highlight just how urgent this issue is.
How Many Car Accidents Happen Per Day in the U.S.?
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), which cites National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, the total number of police-reported crashes in 2023 was approximately 6.3 million (rounded sum of fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes). Dividing 6.3 million crashes by 365 days yields approximately 17,260 crashes per day.
Breaking this down further:
- Per hour: 17,260 ÷ 24 ≈ 719 crashes per hour.
- Per minute: 719 ÷ 60 ≈ 12 crashes per minute.
- Per second: 12 ÷ 60 ≈ 1 crash every 5 seconds.
Car Crash Frequency by Time of Day
The most dangerous hours are typically 3–6 PM during the afternoon rush hour, when traffic peaks and drivers are fatigued. Nighttime accidents, especially late evenings, carry higher risks due to reduced visibility and impaired driving.
The morning rush hour carries its own set of risks, though drivers are generally more alert and less likely to be impaired, and, as such, less likely to get into serious accidents.
Which Days See the Most Accidents?
Data shows Fridays have the highest crash rates, driven by commuting and weekend anticipation. Mondays tend to be the lowest.
Weekends see spikes in accidents due to drunk driving and drowsy driving, tied to social activities and fatigue.
Common Causes of Accidents
Understanding these common causes is crucial for prevention efforts and for victims seeking legal recourse. Identifying the root causes helps in developing targeted safety campaigns and strengthens arguments in personal injury claims.
- Road Violations: Generally speaking, any action (or inaction) that goes against the rules of the road increases the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, phone use): Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, including using a cell phone, eating, or interacting with passengers.
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, reducing a driver’s ability to react to hazards.
- Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances, significantly reducing judgment and reaction time.
- Weather and road conditions: Factors such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or potholes that can reduce traction, visibility, and overall road safety.
- Vehicle malfunctions: Mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues that can lead to loss of control.
- Driver fatigue: Drowsiness or exhaustion that impairs a driver’s ability to concentrate and react, similar to impaired driving.
Consequences of Car Accidents
Car accidents result in a wide range of devastating consequences, from minor injuries to fatalities.
Physical Injuries
Car accidents can result in a broad spectrum of physical injuries, ranging from minor bruises and whiplash to severe trauma such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or permanent disability. Even “minor” collisions can have lingering physical effects that disrupt daily life.
In severe cases, victims may face long recovery periods, repeated surgeries, or permanent impairment.
Property Damage
Most car accidents involve at least some level of vehicle damage, which can range from cosmetic dents to total loss.
Beyond vehicles, other forms of property damage may include infrastructure (guardrails, signage) or personal belongings inside the car. Insurance claims and repair processes add additional stress during an already difficult time.
Financial Burdens
Car accident victims may be faced with steep medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, rehabilitation expenses, and repair or replacement of damaged vehicles.
Lost wages from time off work, or loss of earning capacity in more serious cases, can severely strain a household’s financial stability. Many victims are unprepared for how quickly these costs accumulate.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The psychological effects of a car accident are often overlooked but can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These conditions can affect sleep, work, relationships, and overall mental health, especially if the accident was particularly violent or involved the death of someone close.
Fatalities
In the most tragic outcomes, car accidents can lead to loss of life. Families are left grieving the sudden and often preventable death of a loved one.
The emotional toll of losing a family member is immeasurable, and it’s often accompanied by long-term financial and legal implications, especially if the deceased was a primary income earner or caregiver.
How to Stay Safe on the Road
While accidents can happen anytime, the right mindset and habits mitigate risks and help prevent the majority of collisions and crashes. Adopting a proactive approach to road safety protects both you and everyone around you.
Practice Defensive Driving
More than just following traffic laws, defensive driving means staying aware of your surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers. This means:
- Keeping a safe following distance.
- Avoiding blind spots.
- Scanning ahead for sudden stops, erratic drivers, and other hazards on the road.
- Using mirrors and signals before changing lanes, even when no other road users are visible.
- Assuming it is your responsibility to give right of way.
This level of caution buys valuable time when responding to potential dangers.
Avoid Peak Danger Hours
Different roads have different peak hours of danger, but you can safely assume higher risk during rush hours, late nights, and weekends. Try to avoid driving for extended periods during these hours, or, at the very least, avoid high-risk areas.
If you absolutely have to drive through high-risk areas during peak hours, do not do so impaired, fatigued, or agitated. Assume, however, that others may, and adapt accordingly.
Stay Alert and Sober
While it’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t drive under the influence, most people mistakenly believe that this only pertains to alcohol and illicit substances. The reality is that things like legal prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or even simple exhaustion can contribute to impairment.
Do not risk driving if you have recently taken any substance unless you are aware of the side effects and contraindications. Read the fine print on the box and consult your doctor.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident
Knowing the immediate steps to take after a car accident is crucial for your safety, legal protection, and financial well-being. Accidents can be disorienting, and without a clear plan, victims may inadvertently jeopardize their personal injury claim, fail to collect essential evidence, or neglect to seek timely medical attention.
Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
Your top priority is to assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. The order you will typically want to go is:
- Yourself
- Any passengers in your car
- Bystanders and anyone in other vehicles
Before exiting your vehicle, determine whether it is possible to move it out of the way of traffic, and do so if you can. When exiting your vehicle, ensure that your hazard lights are on, and deploy an early warning device if possible.
You may want to provide help to others at the scene. However, do not attempt to move another victim if they are unconscious or trapped, as this places you in danger while also increasing the risk to the other party if you do not have sufficient training in handling emergencies.
Call 911 to Report the Accident
Always call 911 immediately after an accident, regardless of how minor it seems. Emergency responders, typically the police, will create an official record, which is vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Be sure to provide clear and concise details about the location, time, and apparent severity of the accident. Even if there are no apparent injuries, emergency services can assess the scene and ensure everyone’s safety.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers
Make sure to collect contact information, including full names, phone numbers, and email addresses, from all other drivers involved. Additionally, gather their insurance company names and policy numbers, and note the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicles.
If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information as well, as their statements can be valuable in establishing fault.
Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of the accident scene from various angles, capturing vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. The more visual evidence you have, the stronger your personal injury claim will be.
Also, jot down notes about the time, date, weather conditions, and any other relevant details that might be forgotten later.
Contact an Attorney
After addressing your immediate safety and gathering information, contacting a personal injury attorney should be your next step. A reliable car accident lawyer can guide you through the complexities of legal proceedings, help you understand your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
A representative from The Personal Injury Lawyers™ can handle communication with insurance companies, investigate the accident, gather additional evidence, and represent you in court if necessary. Seeking legal counsel early can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim and allow you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal battles.
Call The Personal Injury Lawyers™ for Help With Your Car Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. The Personal Injury Lawyers™ are here to provide compassionate and effective legal representation.
Contact us today at (312) 999-9990 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team is ready to fight for your rights and help you on the path to recovery.
