21 Sobering Car Accident Statistics to Remember this Labor Day

By Yourwellness Last updated Aug 31, 2018 7

Odds are if you haven’t been in a car accident, you will be involved in at least one at some point in your life. In fact, over the course of a lifetime, the average driver will be in about three to four car accidents.

Approximately six million car accidents happen every year in the United States, but did you know Labor Day is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year? In a four year period from 2011 to 2015, there were 308 fatalities on Labor Day alone.

Car Accident Statistics to Remember this Labor Day

In honor of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign leading up to Labor Day, below are some of the most jaw-dropping car accident facts and statistics to remind drivers to always give driving their full attention and never drink and drive.

Last year, more than 40,000 people died in road crashes in the United States.
Nearly 8,000 of the people killed involved a driver aged 16-20.
In 2016, seat belts saved nearly 14,700 lives.
Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45 percent.
From 2000 to 2016, approximately 236,036 car accident fatalities involved a driver who had been drinking (BAC 0.01+).
Drunk driving costs over $500 per year per adult.
Every day, more than 28 people in the United States die from alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes.
Men are more likely to drive under the influence than women.
In general, car accidents are responsible for more than 90 deaths per day.
Most accidents occur during “rush hour“.
Speeding killed 10,111 people in 2016.
In fact, speeding was involved in approximately one-third of all vehicle fatalities in 2016.
It’s suggested seven percent of all crashes involve drowsy driving.
While it’s difficult to measure drowsy driving, it’s estimated drowsy driving was responsible for taking 846 lives in 2014.
An estimated one in 25 drivers (four percent of drivers on the road) reported falling asleep while driving in the past 30 days.
3,450 people were killed by distracted driving in 2016.
A driver is 23 times more likely to get in an accident when texting and driving.
A recent study found eating while driving had a higher risk of an accident than talking on the phone.
Drivers who listen to uptempo music are twice as likely to jump red lights.
At any given daylight moment, roughly 660,000 drivers are using their cell phones.
In a roadside survey conducted from 2013-2014, 20 percent of drivers tested positive for potentially-impairing drugs.

How to Stay Safe on the Road this Labor Day

With these statistics in mind, remember to always prioritize safe driving: ensure all passengers are wearing seatbelts, obey speed limits, give driving your full attention, and never drink and drive.

If you do find yourself unable to drive, arrange for a sober ride home, whether a sober friend, taxi, or rideshare service. It is crucial to have a plan of action for yourself, but also make sure to have these conversations with your fellow peers and children: car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and many argue, are completely avoidable.

Car accidents can happen at any time anywhere, but you can help mitigate the risk of a car accident by being an engaged driver. Be safe and drive safe this upcoming Labor Day weekend!

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