Car accidents are frequent in the United States, and they are often deadly or produce serious injuries. Regardless of where you’re located, if you need an attorney due to injuries you suffered in a car accident, Morgan & Morgan is always available to help. We have attorneys throughout the United States, so we can help connect you with an experienced personal injury attorney anywhere. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free and confidential consultation.
States With the Highest Car Accident Rate in the U.S.
The number of car accidents varies greatly between states, and their frequency can be affected by a variety of factors. Some contributing factors can include the topography of the state, the population numbers, the amount of vehicles on the roads, local travel speeds, and weather. In 2019, the top states with the greatest car accident rates are as follows:
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Maryland
- Rhode Island
- New Hampshire
All of these states are in the same general region on the East Coast. The East Coast is known for having some of the busiest roads, especially for commuters. Often, the most car accidents occur during rush hour, typically between 4pm and 7pm.
Most fatal car accidents are side-impact, single-vehicle, multiple-vehicle, or caused by head-on crashes. When it comes to fatalities, the Northeast typically does not end up at the top of the list. Looking at fatal car crashes, states with highest car accident rate in the us include the following:
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents happen frequently and can result in devastating consequences. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents. Many actions can qualify as distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone or to passengers, and eating food. In general, distracted driving simply means that the driver is not focusing their full attention on the road, and this can lead to dangerous consequences.
2. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Another leading cause of car accidents is speeding and reckless driving. Drivers who are going significantly over the speed limit can find themselves in car accidents, especially on a winding road. The faster a driver goes, the less time they have to react.
Reckless driving may include speeding, but it also encompasses actions such as tailgating another driver, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and cutting other drivers off. These unexpected and dangerous actions can lead to potentially fatal car accidents.
3. Drunk Driving or Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving can be particularly insidious because it often leads to more fatal or serious car accidents. Even if a driver has only had a few drinks and feels fine, their likelihood of getting into a car accident increases with every drink they consume. This happens even if their blood alcohol level is within the legal limit.
Driving under the influence of any drug, including marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelics, can also increase the driver’s likelihood of getting into a car accident. Any time a drug is consumed, a driver should not attempt to get behind the wheel.
4. Inclement Weather
High winds, rain, snow, and ice can all lead to states with the highest car accident rate in the U.S. Most accidents due to inclement weather are caused by rain and wet roads, but drivers who live in states that often get frequent snow, such as Colorado, Michigan, and Alaska, are at risk for even more dangerous accidents due to the slippery conditions.
5. Night Driving
Driving at night doubles a motorist’s likelihood of getting into a car accident. Even with powerful headlights, it can be difficult to see the road ahead and the periphery. Night driving combined with other factors such as distracted or reckless driving can prove fatal.
6. Wrong Way Driving
Some drivers do not notice road signs and end up driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Additionally, highway ramps can be a common place where wrong way driving occurs. Other drivers typically do not expect wrong way drivers, and accidents can easily occur.