Analyzing statistics shows the type of accidents that occur most often, the kinds of vehicles involved, age factors, and more. It allows public officials to devote resources where appropriate to reverse troubling trends, and allows the public to learn about traffic hazards and risk factors that lead to accidents. Review some of the most recent car accident statistics for the state of New York.
Car Accident Fatalities in 2012
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012 there were a total of 1,168 traffic fatalities in New York, with most occurring in rural areas (614 compared to 554 in urban areas). Alcohol and/or speed were common factors, with 344 stemming from alcohol-impairment (blood alcohol content of .08 or higher) and 360 speed-related deaths.
The most common types of vehicles involved in fatal crashes were:
- passenger cars (400);
- motorcycles (170);
- utility trucks (106);
- pickups (67);
- vans (49); and
- large trucks (10).
Meanwhile, 297 of the fatalities were pedestrians and 45 were bicyclists. Among crash types, single car crashes accounted for 725 fatalities.
Factors involved in fatal crashes included:
- roadway departures (453);
- intersections (444);
- speeding (360);
- rollovers (176); and
- large trucks (100).
Car Accident Injuries in 2012
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were a total of 294,757 traffic accidents in 2012. Of those, 123,296 were non-fatal personal injury crashes. There were 15,832 that involved a motor vehicle and pedestrian. And 6,137 crashes involved a bicycle and a motor vehicle. In total, 101,605 drivers were injured and 45,532 passengers were injured.
The following indicates the severity of injuries in these crashes:
- serious – 10,201;
- moderate – 17,465; and
- minor – 80,570.
Car Crash Injuries by Gender and Age
It’s interesting to note statistical breakdowns of injury crashes by gender and age. The age group among males which sustained the most injuries was 25 and 29 years old (13,567), followed by ages 45 to 49 (12,493). For females, the same age group of 25 to 29 year olds experienced the most injuries (9,347); the 21 to 24 year old age group was next at 8,628.
2012 Injuries: Driver Behavior
The most common driver behavior to contribute to injury crashes was:
- driver inattention/distraction (24,304);
- failure to yield the right-of-way (21,020);
- following another vehicle too closely (20,180);
- unsafe speed (11,864); and
- ignoring a traffic control device (6,569).
How Vehicular Factors Affect Car Wreck Injuries
Some injury accidents stem from improperly maintained or faulty vehicles/parts. The most common vehicular factors involved:
- defective brakes (1,035);
- inadequate tires or tire failure (606);
- steering failure (289); and
- oversized vehicle (210).
Environment and Car Crash Stats
The environment can also play a significant role in injury accidents, topping the list were those caused by:
- slippery pavement (7,154);
- animal’s actions (2,214);
- limited/obstructed view (2,181);
- glare (1,211); and
- obstruction/debris (607).
Fault and Responsibility for Injury Accidents
These statistics reveal certain factors like slippery pavement, distracted driving, failing to yield, and defective brakes that may contribute to car accidents. The factors surrounding an individual accident will play a large role in determining recovery of damages related to the accident.
While New York is a no-fault state, those who suffer serious injuries or costs beyond what is covered by their personal injury protection may pursue compensation from an at-fault driver. Thus, establishing the factors surrounding an individual accident is very important.
If you require legal assistance after a car accident, call Gacovino, Lake & Associates. An attorney can help you evaluate the details of the accident and establish fault as well as the extent of your damages. Call us at 800-550-0000 to set up a consultation with a lawyer, or contact us online.
