Watch out! Every day, millions of people in the United States use the road, dodging — and often creating— plenty of hazards. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates, American drivers spent 95 billion hours on the road and logged over 2.74 trillion miles in 2023. That's a lot of opportunities for accidents.
Whether you're a seasoned driver or someone just learning the rules of the road, understanding the root causes of accidents is essential for staying safe. Many of today's vehicles have safety features designed to protect drivers, but human error and risky behaviors still lead to millions of crashes. Staying safe requires more than just trusting your car's technology.
Here's a look at the top causes of car accidents in 2024, the factors behind most fatal crashes, and some tips for staying safe.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Causes in 2024?
An estimated 5.93 million police-reported accidents occurred in 2022. The following list provides the common causes. Most of these statistics are from 2024 reports published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Speeding: In 2022, speeding contributed to 9% of police-reported accidents, which resulted in about 300,595 people sustaining injuries. (NHTSA)
- Distracted driving: Distractions — cell phone use, eating, and personal grooming, among others — contributed to 11% of police-reported crashes in 2022. It was also a factor in 12% of accidents resulting in injury. (NHTSA)
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Although no figures are available for the estimated number of annual DUI-related traffic accidents for both drugs and alcohol, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one million people are arrested each year for driving under the influence of one, the other, or both. This figure represents only a tiny portion of impaired drivers on the road.
- Drowsy driving: Drowsiness — driving while tired — was a factor in 91,000 police-reported crashes in 2017. (NHTSA)
- Aggressive driving: Speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are considered aggressive driving behaviors, but other aggressive behaviors contribute to accidents, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and disregarding traffic signals.
- Weather conditions: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that poor weather conditions, including rain, snow, and fog, factor into 21% of all auto accidents.
What Are the Leading Causes of Auto Fatalities?
Every year in the U.S., there are about 43,000 fatal car accidents. The NHTSA estimates there were 8,650 traffic crash fatalities in the first quarter of 2024 alone. This figure is down slightly from the same period in 2023, but a significant number nonetheless. The following factors are the primary contributors to auto fatalities:
- Lack of seatbelt use: Although seatbelt use is not a cause of auto accidents, about half of all people killed in car crashes in 2022 were not wearing seatbelts. (NHTSA)
- Drunk driving: About 37 people die every day in the U.S. in drunk driving-related accidents. In 2022, fatalities totaled 13,524. (NHTSA)
- Speeding: Speeding contributed to 12,151 deaths and was a factor in almost a third of all 2022 traffic fatalities. (NHTSA)
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving was a factor in 3,308 auto fatalities in 2022. (NHTSA)
- Drowsy driving: Drowsiness contributed to 693 driving deaths during the same year. (NHTSA)
What Are Some Measures for Avoiding and Preventing Car Accidents in 2024?
Staying safe requires more than just following traffic rules and relying on your car's anti-collision system. Be proactive in using the following road safety tips in 2024 and beyond:
- Wear a seatbelt: Make sure you and any passengers are wearing seatbelts. The NHTSA says, "Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash."
- Follow speed limits: Road conditions, the amount of traffic, and safety determine speed limits. It is the top speed at which you should drive in perfect conditions. When the weather is bad or traffic is heavy, slow down. That way, you've got time to react to the unexpected, like sudden stops by other drivers. If you need a financial incentive, a speeding ticket often increases auto insurance rates, as well.
- Stay focused: Phone use, radio adjustments, grabbing a bite, talking with passengers — any action that takes your focus off your driving can be hazardous. To minimize distractions, set up your GPS and audio systems before you hit the road and avoid using your phone unless you can do it hands-free.
- Drive defensively: Defensive driving is all about being prepared for anything and expecting others to make mistakes. Stay aware of what other drivers are doing and use your signals to help other drivers anticipate what you're doing. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles so you have time and space to react to the actions of other drivers.
- Never drive impaired: Alcohol, drugs, and some medications can slow reactions, mess with coordination, and cloud judgment. If you plan to drink or use drugs, arrange a safe ride home. A DUI can cause a significant increase in your auto insurance rates and may result in license suspension or revocation.
- Maintain your vehicle: Regular vehicle maintenance prevents accidents from mechanical failures. Check brakes, tires, lights, and steering often. Ensure tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. Brakes should be responsive and quiet. Lights must be bright and clear for visibility, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Drive a car with a high safety rating: Top-rated vehicles are built to withstand crashes and have advanced features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, hands-free technology, and collision avoidance systems. These features can help prevent accidents and cut the risk of getting seriously hurt or killed if one occurs. Advanced safety features may also help you save on auto insurance. Before you buy or lease a car, check its safety ratings on trusted sites like the NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
How Does an Accident Affect Auto Insurance Rates?
Another reason to practice safe driving habits is to avoid accident-related costs. Your car's value may drop after an accident, even if you have it repaired. This can impact your trade-in value when you get a new vehicle. Your car's value is also often a factor in how much your auto insurer pays out for any claims you file.
Your insurance premiums may go up after an accident, too. In some states, such as Utah, California, and Missouri, the average increase is as high as 47%. Even if the other driver is at fault, you are likely to pay more in premiums if you file a claim. And despite any premium bumps, you want to keep your insurance. Causing an accident when you're uninsured can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
If your auto premiums seem high, whether you've had an accident or not, comparing rates from other insurers may help you save. Get free auto insurance quotes from EverQuote. You'll get a custom comparison in minutes tailored just for you.