Statistics can be used to tell a story. Having numbers presented to us gives us a sense of perspective. When it comes to auto accident statistics, the stories we learn from the numbers are often tragic. The lawyers of Douglas & London have helped numerous accident survivors throughout New York, NY. We vow to fight diligently for all of our clients.
Gary J. Douglas, Michael A. London, and the attorneys at our law firm would like to go over state and national statistics on car accidents. These figures should provide some sense of the dangers on the road and why you must always drive responsibly.
National Auto Accident Fatality Statistics
According to numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 37,461 fatalities from auto collisions in the year 2016. This is a 5.9 percent increase in auto accident fatalities from 2015.
While the majority of these 2016 fatalities were occupants in passenger cars and trucks, the NHTSA also recorded 5,987 pedestrian fatalities, 4,976 motorcyclist fatalities, and 660 fatalities among occupants of large trucks.
New York State Fatal Accident Statistics
According to numbers from the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle accidents are the 4th leading cause of death in the state. Auto crashes cause around 91 deaths a month throughout the state of New York.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics
Numbers from the NHTSA found that there were more than 2.1 million nationwide injuries from auto accidents in 2016. The New York State Department of Health estimates that auto accidents result in 11,409 emergency department visits a month throughout the state. These emergency room visits cost up to $350 million annually in New York State alone.
Numbers on Speeding and Auto Accidents
According to numbers from the NHTSA, speeding accounted for 10,111 auto accident fatalities in 2016. That’s 27 percent of all the auto accident fatalities in 2016. This is why it is so important to abide by the speed limit and all traffic laws and signs.
The NHTSA found a tragic yet fascinating demographic breakdown of people killed in speeding-related crashes. Among males between the ages of 15-20 killed in auto accidents, speeding played a role in 32 percent of deaths. This number holds steady among males in the 21-24 age group, in which speeding played a role in 31 percent of auto accident deaths.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Drunk driving is another major factor in many auto accident fatalities. According to the NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving claimed 10,497 lives in 2016. That means 1 alcohol-related auto accident fatality every 51 minutes. Overall, alcohol played a role in 28 percent of all fatal auto crashes.
Combine with the speeding numbers among males between the ages of 15-24, we can see a suggesting of reckless endangerment involving excessive speed combined with drinking and driving. In fact, the NHTSA notes that 37 percent of drivers killed in fatal auto accidents were drinking and driving.
Numbers on Cellphone Use While Driving
Distracted driving is becoming more and more of an issue these days, and cellphones are a bit reason for it. Texting while driving, in particular, is a major hazard that can result in catastrophic collisions. The NHTSA recorded a total of 3,450 distraction-related auto accident deaths.
Let this be a grim reminder to always keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Your call, text, or message can wait.
Contact Douglas & London
For more information about your legal rights and options following an auto collision, be sure to contact our team of injury accident attorneys. We will help you in your time of legal need. You can contact the lawyers of Douglas & London by phone at (212) 566-7500.