Auto Accident Statistics

Author: Joshua Brabant

The average American motorist does not envision being in an accident when they leave their driveway. Unfortunately every 10 seconds drivers find themselves in the frustrating and sometimes tragic position of dealing with a car accident. On average, there are more than 6 million car accidents on the roads of the US, annually. An equal number go unreported.

Human life is obviously the greatest price paid in any car accident but new statistics are out that look at the claims cost as well. New findings from the Insurance Research Council’s (IRC) 2011 Trends in Auto Injury Claims report indicate that insurance claim costs countrywide have recently increased, reversing previous trends of declining or relatively stable costs.

In 2012, the average auto liability claim for property damage was $3,073; the average auto liability claim for bodily injury was $14,653.

In 2012, the average collision claim was $2,950; the average comprehensive claim was $1,585.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) releases information about the frequency and types of accidents based on a compilation of statistics from the National Highway Institute. Lets look at some of the results including the statistics on the number of lives saved from auto safety features.

Automobile fatalities have been on a downward trend over the last decade. However, in 2012 there was a 3.3% increase. This is the first since 2005. (Up 145,000 more injuries than 2011.)

Despite the general downward trend in overall fatalities in recent years – pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities have shown an upward trend. (6-7% increase)

Alcohol Impaired Driving has also increased by 4.6% in 2012. The numbers indicate an alcohol impaired accident every 51 minutes in 2012.

Despite the increase in accident claims, fatalities and alcohol induced accidents, there are some positive statistics pointing toward smarter driving and safety features.

• In 2012 the use of safety belts saved an estimated 12,174 lives.
• 2,213 lives were saved by front crash air bags.
• 1,699 lives were saved by the use of motorcycle helmets..
• 525 lives were saved by states adopting a 21 year old drinking limit.
• 284 lives were also saved by the correct installation and use of child restraint features.

While these statistics do not paint a positive picture there are steps that every motorist can take to make themselves safer behind the wheel. Look back for our next blog on Defensive Driving to help you and your passengers avoid serious injury.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, call Brabant & Huynh LLP at 617-934-0913 for your auto accident. We are located in Quincy and Dorchester and serve the greater Boston area. We will be glad to help you evaluate your case and ease the burden of going through the process.