What Are the Chances of Getting in a Car Crash?

As a driver, you risk an accident each time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle or ride as a passenger in someone else’s car. Though you may have heard that traveling by car is riskier than flying, you might wonder, “What are the chances of getting in a car crash?”

The likelihood that you might experience a car accident during your life depends on multiple factors, including how frequently you drive, your age, your experience, and the driving conditions. Factors that can influence your chance of accident involvement include how well you maintain your vehicle, whether you use safety equipment, your driving behavior, and the behavior of drivers around you. If you live in an urban environment, the dense traffic can also increase your risk. Scroll down to learn more about your chances of being involved in a traffic accident.

Risk of Accident Involvement

The average driver in Massachusetts drives 13,109 miles per year. Daily travel in the US averages 11 billion miles per day, which is equivalent to 40 miles per person in the country daily. Since so many Americans depend on their vehicles for transportation, it makes sense that the sheer number of travelers on the roads increases your accident risk. Even if you drive cautiously and follow the laws, you can’t control whether other drivers around you also do.

What are the chances of getting in a car crash? A previous report from Esurance found that on average, Americans have a 1 out of 366 risk of being involved in a car crash for every 1,000 miles they drive. US adults file accident claims an average of once every 17.9 years, which equates to being involved in a collision three to four times in your life.

However, knowing the answer to “What are the chances of getting in a car crash?” does not tell you your chances of being injured or killed in an accident. Fortunately, not every accident results in injuries or fatalities. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that US adults have a 1 in 93 chance of dying in a motor vehicle collision in 2021. By knowing the factors that increase your accident risks and exercising caution whenever you travel by car, you can mitigate the possibility that you will suffer injuries in a car crash.

Top Factors Leading to Car Crashes

Statistics indicate the following factors increase the risk of car crashes:

• Drunk or drugged driving

• Speeding

• Distracted driving

• Drowsy driving

In addition to these leading factors, others that can be involved in collisions include the following:

• Poorly maintained roads

• Inclement weather

• Tailgating

• Reckless driving

• Improper lane changes

• Other negligent driving behaviors

Since these factors are commonly involved in collisions, you should avoid them whenever you drive and watch drivers around you to anticipate and avoid potentially dangerous drivers and wrecks.

Demographics and Accident Risks

Anyone can be involved in a car crash, but certain groups have a greater risk of accident involvement, including the following:

• Men

• Teen drivers

• Drivers between the ages of 21 and 34

• Elderly drivers above the age of 74

• Inexperienced drivers

• Motorcyclists

Common Types of Car Accidents

While there are many different types of crashes, the following are more common and can result in serious injuries:

• Rear-end accidents: The most common type of collision, rear-end accidents happen when a driver rear-ends the vehicle in front when it has slowed or stopped. Rear-end collisions frequently occur because of the rear driver’s distracted driving or inattention. They sometimes lead to chain-reaction car crashes.

• Head-on crashes: These are among the most dangerous collisions and occur when vehicles traveling in the opposite direction collide front-to-front. Head-on accidents are frequently fatal and often involve impaired or reckless driving by one motorist.

• Sideswipe collisions: These accidents occur when two vehicles traveling next to each other crash side-to-side. Sideswipe collisions often occur when a driver attempts to change lanes without checking their mirrors and crashes into a vehicle in their blind spot.

• T-bone crashes: T-bone or broadside accidents occur when a vehicle collides perpendicularly into the side of another vehicle. Frequently, these accidents happen at intersections when a driver runs a stop sign or red light. They also can occur when a vehicle pulls out from a side street and collides with the side of a passing motorist.

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Suffering injuries in a Massachusetts car crash can be life-changing. If you suffered serious injuries because of the behavior of another driver, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact an attorney at Ellis & Associates for a free consultation to learn about your rights by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.