Car Accidents in the U.S. – Causes, Facts & 8 Prevention Tips (2025)
Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 39,345 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2024 – a 3.8% decrease from 40,901 deaths in 2023 (NHTSA, 2024).
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports about 1.19 million road traffic deaths per year, making traffic crashes a top 10 cause of death worldwide (WHO Global Status Report, 2023).
The good news: fatalities are trending downward thanks to better enforcement, safety technology, and awareness campaigns. But many accidents remain 100% preventable through safe driving habits and defensive awareness.
The Latest Car Accident Data
U.S. Fatalities (2024): 39,345 deaths (down 3.8% from 2023)
Fatality Rate: 1.20 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) – the lowest since 2020
Economic Impact: Traffic crashes cost the U.S. about $340 billion annually.
Seat Belt Use: Nearly 50% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2022 were unrestrained (NHTSA Seat Belt Usage Fact Sheet, 2023).
Speeding Factor: Speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic deaths in 2022 (NHTSA Speeding Data, 2023).
Common Car Accident Types
Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by tailgating or distracted driving.
Left-Turn Crashes: Common at intersections due to poor visibility or speed misjudgment.
Sideswipe & Merging Crashes: Result from failing to check blind spots or improper lane changes.
Key Factors Behind Car Crashes
1. Distracted Driving
Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls divert attention.
In 2022 alone, 3,308 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers (NHTSA, 2023).
2. Speeding
Speeding shortens reaction time and increases crash severity. It accounted for 29% of U.S. traffic deaths in 2022.
3. Impaired Driving
About 13,384 deaths in 2021 were alcohol-related – that’s 31% of all traffic fatalities (NHTSA Alcohol-Impaired Driving, 2023).
4. Driver Fatigue
Drowsy driving causes an estimated 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths annually in the U.S. (NHTSA Drowsy Driving, 2023).
5. Weather Conditions
Wet, icy, or foggy roads reduce traction and visibility, contributing to nearly 21% of all vehicle crashes annually (FHWA Road Weather Management, 2023).
6. Traffic Congestion & Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, weaving, and road rage behaviors cause thousands of preventable collisions every year.
8 Effective Ways to Prevent Car Accidents
1. Drive Defensively
Stay alert, maintain a 3-second following distance, and expect other drivers to make mistakes.
2. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Anticipate potential hazards such as merging vehicles, pedestrians, or sudden stops ahead.
3. Always Buckle Up
Seat belts cut the risk of fatal injury in half for front-seat occupants.
4. Drive Sober
Even minimal impairment affects judgment and reflexes.
Plan a designated driver, use rideshare apps, or stay where you are if you’ve been drinking.
5. Use Turn Signals Every Time
Signal early and maintain lane discipline – about 23% of crashes occur from lane-change errors (AAA Foundation, 2022).
6. Keep Your Vehicle Clutter-Free
Loose items can slide under pedals and obstruct braking. Keep interiors clean and hazard-free.
7. Adjust for Weather
Slow down, use low beams in rain/fog, and avoid cruise control on slippery surfaces.
8. Be Emergency-Ready
Keep a first-aid kit, spare tire, jumper cables, and flashlight in your vehicle.
Know how to use them.
The Role of Safety Training
Untrained or inexperienced drivers are often at greater risk – especially in the construction and transportation sectors.
For professional drivers, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training provides vital safety education on:
Defensive driving principles
Hazardous material handling
PPE use and hazard communication
Completing OSHA courses enhances both driver safety and career advancement.
👉 Enroll in OSHA 30 Construction Training to strengthen your on-road safety skills.
Conclusion
Car accidents are largely preventable. By practicing defensive driving, avoiding distractions, and adhering to speed limits, we can collectively reduce thousands of deaths each year.
Your safety – and the safety of others – begins with awareness and responsibility behind the wheel.
