8 Annual Car Accident Report Facts You Should Know

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)has just completed their analysis of 2013's car accident data and some of the results are surprising. He's a brief overview of the key facts they discovered.

1. The Number of Fatal Auto Wrecks Across the Country is Declining

Despite the fact that there are more drivers on the road today, and that more miles are being driven, the number of fatal wrecks is still declining. There were 32,719 deaths in 2013, which is down from 33,782 which was recorded in 2012. The latest statistics are even lower than the first-ever recorded numbers, as there were 44,525 in 1975. The only year with fewer fatalities was 2011, with 32,479 recorded.

2. The Number of Fatal Wrecks in South Carolina is Declining, Too

There were 767 fatalities recorded in South Carolina in 2013, which is down from 863 that were documented in 2012.

3. Men are More Likely to Die in a Wreck

Men between the ages of 20-24, as well as those 85 and older, had the highest fatality rates of any group. In general, men are more likely to be involved in a wreck as well. Girls aged 12 and under had the lowest fatality rate of any group.

4. Less than Half of Those Who Died Were Wearing a Seatbelt at the Time of the Wreck

Of the fatally-injured passengers age 13 and older, only 43% were wearing seatbelts when the collision occurred. Approximately 47% of drivers who were killed were unbelted as well.

5. Alcohol is Involved in the Majority of Driver Deaths

Nationally, 72% of drivers who died in collisions had measurable blood-alcohol content levels. Charleston car accidents likely have a much higher rate, as South Carolina tipped the scales at 82%.

6. Speed is Still a Major Contributing Factor in Fatal Collisions

Although the number of deadly wrecks that involve speed is declining, it's still involved in many crashes. Historically, drivers in 30-32% of fatal collisions have either been driving too fast for the road conditions or were going faster than the posted speed limit. In 2013, this number dropped to 29%.

7. Most Motor Vehicle Deaths Occur on Rural Roads

Throughout the United States, 54% of fatal collisions occurred in rural areas. In South Carolina, 80% of them did.

8. The Deadliest Day of the Week to Drive is Saturday

Approximately 18% of fatal wrecks occurred on a Saturday. Researchers also discovered that August was the deadliest month and that more accidents happen between 3-9pm than any other time of the day.

Charleston Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an auto wreck, a court may award you reparations. Sadly, obtaining a just settlement that covers medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses isn't always easy without the help of a skilled lawyer. For a no-fee consultation, please contact our office online or speak to an attorney right away by calling 1(800)610-2546.