Who Is Most Likely to Be Killed in a Car Crash?

Many auto accidents occur daily that result in victims suffering serious injuries or death. While anyone can be involved in a collision, there are certain groups of people at a higher risk.

Understanding what the statistics indicate may help you and your family avoid being the victim of a crash.                

Fatality Statistics on Car Accidents                                             

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2016. This was a six percent increase in fatalities from 2015 and the largest number of deaths since 2007.

Here are some other statistics that shed light on who is at most risk of being injured in a wreck:

• More than 60 percent of fatalities in 2016 were passengers in motor vehicles, which includes cars, minivans, pickup trucks, and larger passenger vans. Passengers in smaller vehicles are more likely to be killed because they have less protection in a crash.
• In 2016, pedestrians accounted for 16 percent of deaths and motorcyclists 13 percent.
• Just over 70 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle accidents were males. Men between 20–24 and 85 and older had the highest rate of deaths. Young men may engage in more reckless behaviors, such as speeding. Older drivers can suffer their own challenges, such as physical and mental limitations, which make them less safe drivers.
• Speeding was a factor in 27 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents. When a driver is traveling faster than the posted speed limit, he's more likely to lose control of his vehicle; be unable to stop when a driver ahead of him suddenly brakes; and race through a stoplight turning red.
• Nearly half of all deaths in 2016 occurred on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Overall,  33 percent of fatalities occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident? Call our office today to schedule your free consultation to learn how we can assist you in holding the negligent driver responsible for injury compensation.