Auto Accident Statistics

Nationwide, auto accident statistics can be staggering. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, shows that in 2008 almost 6,000 people died due to a distracted driver. This research also showed that over 800,000 cars or trucks had a driver using a cell phone on the road on any given day. Reports for 2008 show that Americans are using their seat belts now more than ever before, with a total of 84% of Americans wearing them.

Research by the above mentioned entities shows that an estimated 25% of all police reported accidents are due to distraction. Distractions would include stereos, cell phone use and external stimuli. Research also shows that even using hands free cell phones cause enough of a distraction that drivers can miss cues that would normally make them aware to avoiding a crash. It is found also that between eating and using a cell phone as well as operating the CD player in a vehicle that using the CD player was more distracting than either of the other two activities.

Older Population

When it comes to the older generation of drivers, it has been seen that most of the traffic fatalities that involved older drivers happen in the day time on weekdays, and most always involved another vehicle. 79% occurred in daylight hours, 72% on weekdays and 71% with other cars. When an accident involved a young driver and an older driver, the older driver’s car is almost double likely to be the car struck. Even though many people believe older drivers to be unsafe, it appears based on research that younger drivers are less responsible and accountable for more accidents than the elderly.

For the elderly population, 60% of pedestrian fatalities were on roads not located at intersections. On average, older females are involved in more traffic accidents than elderly males. The percentage of elderly male fatalities in a car accident in those over 65 years of age is about 9%, and for females of the same age group the percentage sits at 13%. However, in pedestrian deaths, males over 65 years old were the cause of 13% of accidents and deaths, with women only being responsible for 8%.

If you have been injured in a auto accident, contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury to discuss your claim.