Driving Facts, Figures, and Statistics   Table of Contents

Car Design

• Introduction of new technology into the nation's motor vehicle fleet--which is now at 204.1-million--has also had an effect, but not entirely for the better. Air bags, for example, cut the fatality rate for adults by about 11 percent in cars that have them, but among children seated in the front seat, they increase it by 28 percent to 33 percent, according to two recent studies.

Annotation
Parents need to be aware of the danger of putting child car seats in the front.  Even in cars without airbags the car seat should be mounted in the rear.

Source: New York Times, Thursday, October 10, 1996   http://www.drunkdriving.com/deaths_up.html
 
 

• Current data on the safety benefits of DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) has been misinterpreted by proponents of DRLs. They have absolutely no positive effect on bright sunny days. The data should be interpreted thusly: People are not turning on their lights in conditions requiring illumination -- e.g. rain, snow, fog, dusk, dawn, etc. -- and therefore the problem is driver error.

Annotation
If driving error is to blame for people not using their lights when it needs to be, then drivers need to be more educated or informed.  I do not see the need for DRLs if they have no effect in bright conditions.  A better tool is the light sensor that turns on the vehicles lights when conditions become dark.

Source:  Association of Driver's Against Daytime Running Lights  http://www.lightsout.org/story.htm

• Heading Control Systems make steering easy. Video cameras provide information about lane markings and electric servo motors provide input into steering. The driver feels light forces on the steering wheel as the vehicle responds to information from the cameras, but can override them at any time. These systems try to emulate the lane-keeping behavior of a 'normal' driver.

Annotation
This seems like a good idea because it would keep people safely in their own lane.  Intoxicated people might want to take advantage of this feature as it may assist them in not weaving.  It also seems that there are problems with this.  When trying to change lanes, the servos may try to resist your wheel turning and interfere with a safe lane change.  Also, if this system relys on lane markings, what happens in an area where the roads are poorly marked.

Source:  http://www.drivers.com/technology/
 

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Car Seats or Child Restraints
 

• Every state has a child safety seat law in effect, and in 1984, child motor vehicle death totals dropped to a 30 year low.

Annotation
This is very encouraging news to hear that there are safety features for children that are working.  I think it is important for parents to properly use the car seats and its also important that the laws are enforced.

Source: http://www.saferoads.org/policy/occupant.html

• 2,098 children died in motor vehicle crashes in 1997. This is 4 percent fewer than in 1996 and 42 percent fewer than in 1975.

Annotation
Although the percentage of deaths is decreasing, the total number of deaths is still fairly high.  Proper use of car seats is shown to help, but all aspects of driving must be improved to assure safety for the children.

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System
              http://www.hwysafety.org/facts/child.htm

• It has been estimated that when correctly used and installed, child car seats can reduce deaths by about 90% and injuries by 70%.

Annotation
This fact has been stated by several different studies or surveys.  This information needs to get out to parents to show that their effort of using car seats is time worth spent.

Source: Canadian Automobile Association National Child Restraint Safety Network
             http://www.caa.ca/CAAInternet/trafficsafety/frames13.htm
 
 

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Cyclists
 

• Research has shown that after dark in good conditions, vehicle drivers see only about one-sixth of what they see in daylight, meaning that unlighted bicycles are almost invisible after the sun goes down.

Annotation
Cyclists riding after dark need to have the appropriate reflectors and lights.  Wearing bright or reflective clothing is also a good idea.  Even in daylight cyclists can be difficult to see.  At night, cyclists need to take extra precautions when riding.

Source: http://web.uvic.ca/ucom/Ring/970307/Bikes.html
 
 

• If all bicycle drivers wore helmets there would be fewer bicycle drivers killed in accidents. Three out of four bicycles fatalities are due to head injuries. A good bicycle helmet can prevent or reduce the seriousness of these injuries.
• 
   
  Annotation
  Safety equipment should be used at all times when riding.  Head injuries are very serious and helmets are proven to reduce the risk of injury or death.

  Source: http://www.state.de.us/kidspage/bikdrman.htm
   
   

• It's very difficult to see you at night. The bicycle/ car accident rate is twenty time higher at night. If you must drive at night your bicycle is required to have a front white light for at least 500 feet and a rear reflector that can be seen for at least 600 feet. You must also have white or yellow reflectors on the wheels and pedals.

Annotation
Wearing the bright orange reflective vest that road maintenance workers wear does not seem like a bad idea either.  Bicycles do not have the visibility of other vehicles because of their size and lack of lights.

Source: http://www.state.de.us/kidspage/bikdrman.htm
 
 

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Drinking and Driving
 

• Every 23 minutes, someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver.

Annotation
It would be nice to see a statistic that shows a drunk driver is put into prison every 23 minutes.  It is very disturbing and sad to hear that drunk drivers kill so often.  If it occurs every 23 minutes in the US, it probably occurs even more often world wide.

Source:  http://www.drunkdriving.com/proposal.html
 
 
 

• Estimates suggest that between 30% and 50% of all fatal crashes are alcohol related.  These estimates translate into approximately 15,000 to 25,000 deaths annually involving the irresponsible use of alcohol.

Annotation
I know it would be extremely difficult to do this, but more frequent road blocks might help to convict DUI offenders.  If such a large percentage of fatal crashes are alcohol related, more effort should be put into guarding against that than speeding.  There are always police on the roads trying to catch speeders, but drunk drivers are the bigger threat.

Source: http://www.DUI.com/alcoholissues/duiadol.html
 
 

• In short, you can be found guilty of drunk driving, also called driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), if the state can prove either that:

        -you are legally intoxicated while driving, meaning that your body shows alcohol levels
        above a state-mandated limit. The most common level is .10 percent, as determined by a
        blood test or breath test, though in some states the level is lower. (In Colorado, for instance you are legally impaired if your alcohol level is .05 percent.) For drivers of commercial  vehicles, the level may be even lower.

        -you have been driving while your faculties are impaired by alcohol or a drug--that is, that
        your ability to see, hear, walk, talk and judge distances is below normal as set by the state
        you're arrested in. Even if your alcohol level is lower than the legal intoxication level, you
        can still be convicted if the state can show your abilities were impaired. 
 

Annotation
I think the law in Hawaii has a .08 percent limit.  It is good that the law in Hawaii is stricter than a lot of the country.  It would be even greater if the limit was brought down even further.

Source: http://www.DUI.com/duieducation/LegalDefinition.html
 
 

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Elderly Drivers
 

• In the last 10 years, the rate of fatal accidents among the elderly has increased 25 percent while the rate of accidents among another at-risk group, teen-agers, has fallen

Annotation
There must be some way to determine when an elderly driver is no longer able to operate a vehicle on the road.  Only one road test is ever required to have a license.  Maybe,  mandatory road tests for people over a certain age could be used to check whether one is fit to remain a driver.

Source:  http://www.business-server.com/newsroom/ntn/info/092297/info12_14496_noframes.html
 
 

• Elderly drivers over 70 are at a higher risk per mile driven than other drivers with a dramatic increase after age 80. Drivers 80-85 have a crash involvement rate per mile driven as high as 16-19 year olds, and at 85+, even higher. Drivers under 70 have a fatality rate of 1.2 / 100 crashes. Drivers over 80 have a fatality rate of 4.0 / 10 crashes.

Annotation
As elderly people start to become a larger percentage of our population, the risk of more crashes might also increase.  Alternate means of transportation should be available to these people so they do not need to get on the road and be a hazard to themselves and others.

Source: Russell D. Martin, MD - The Aging Driver - April, 20, 1997.  http://www.azstarnet.com/~rnitram/driver.html

• About half of fatal crashes involving drivers 80 years and older occur at intersections and involve more than one vehicle. This compares with 23 percent among drivers up to age 50.

Annotation
The involvement of more than one vehicle means that the elderly are a threat to others on the road.  As much as possible, the elderly should be more cautious as drivers.

Source:  http://www.hwysafety.org/facts/elder.htm
 
 

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Insurance
 

• The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that auto insurance costs have risen, on average, by 50% over the past 12 years. Much of the increase is attributable to our increasingly urban population. We live closer to each other in cities, meaning there are more cars on the road and more of us to get in each other's way.

Annotation
This fact is not difficult to believe.  With the population growing it seems that everything has gone up in price.  There are many insurance dealers around and shopping around for one with good coverage at a decent price is not hard to find.

Source:  Taming the Auto-Insurance Money Eater, by Dick Radtke   http://www.tinkerfcu.org/hffo/aug4.html

• Auto Insurance is divided into several different types of coverage:
• 
   
       Liability: Covers damage to other people's property and injuries you may cause while
       operating an automobile.

       Collision: Covers damage to you own vehicle in an accident.

       Other Than Collision (commonly called &"Comprehensive"): Covers fire damage to
       your car, break-ins, vandalism and theft, as well as, natural disasters (hail, hurricane,
       flood...unless the car is overturned, then it would be covered under collision).

       Personal Injury Protection (AKA NO FAULT): Covers you and your resident relatives
       for your medical injuries up to $10,000 regardless of whose fault the accident was. It     also pays some lost wages and a $5,000 Death Benefit.

       Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you and your passengers if
       injured in an accident with drivers carrying insufficient liability coverage.

       Medical Payments: You can purchase additional medical coverage here up to an
       additional $5,000.

       Extra Coverage: Include expenses for towing and labor, rental car reimbursement.

Annotation
All of these types of coverage are beneficial to drivers.  However, the best insurance is to be a defensive and controlled driver.  Having coverage does not make it ok to be reckless.

Source:  http://www.insuranceman.com/auto.htm

• No-fault insurance is a system adopted in some states that essentially bypasses the conventional legal procedure which finds fault in an accident. (This is the procedure by which you hire a lawyer, file suit and possibly go to court to prove the accident was the other guy's fault.) No-fault simply does away with the concept of one party or the other being at fault--no lawyers, no court, no judge, no jury, no lengthy lawsuits against the other party. This is considered beneficial to taxpayers, because it eliminates costly legal proceedings that the state must manage, and to insurance policyholders, because it helps keep rates down.

Annotation
No fault insurance probably saves the individual a lot of time and money also.  It is a big hassle to go to court and hire attorneys and such.  No fault benefits many people by doing away with the whole legal proceeding.

Source:  http://iiaa.iix.com/autop1.htm#nofault
 
 

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Passengers
 

• Every year, over 200 deaths occur to persons riding in pickup cargo beds, and more than half of those are children and teenagers

Annotation
Having passengers in the cargo beds would be a difficult thing to try and outlaw.  Even though it is dangerous, not everyone has enclosed cars and they still need to transport passengers by way of the cargo bed.  Drivers of pickups need to be responsible if they take passengers.

Source:  http://www.saferoads.org/policy/occupant.html

• Passenger vehicle occupant deaths represented 76 percent of motor vehicle deaths in 1997.

Annotation
This represents a large majority of the motor vehicle deaths.  More should be done to target the safety of vehicle occupants.

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System and R.L. Polk's National Vehicle Population Profile  http://www.hwysafety.org/facts/passveh.htm

• More than half of all road-related fatalities are automobile passengers who might have lived if they had used safety belts.

Annotation
With safety belts being a law mostly everywhere its amazing that people still do not wear them.  Its also amazing that it accounts for over half the deaths.  However, it seems like a difficult thing to enforce.  For speeding there are laser guns, but there is no method of detecting if passengers in a car are using seat belts or not.

Source: http://www.banda.mounet.com/wisepd/safety.htm
 
 

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Pedestrians
 

• About 100,000 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year in this country and, since 1990, 5,500 to 6,500 pedestrians per year have died.

Annotation
Pedestrians need to be aware of the danger they are in when walking in areas near traffic.  The human body is fragile compared to any sized motor vehicle.

Source:  http://www.hwysafety.org/qanda/qaped.htm#anchor854301
 
 

• Pedestrian death rates have declined 42 percent since 1975 (from 3.5 to 2.0 per 100,000 people in 1996). Reasons for these steep declines aren’t fully known, but they probably in part reflect changes in the amount and type of pedestrian exposure.

Annotation
Its possible that the amount of pedestrians has decreased because they are now on the roads driving motor vehicles.  So the decline in pedestrian death rates is good, but now there are more motor vehicle crashes.  It would be nice if the decrease was due to safer walkways and cross walks for pedestrians.

Source:  http://www.hwysafety.org/qanda/qaped.htm#anchor854301

• Each year about 7,000 pedestrians die and 100,000 are injured in traffic accidents. Young children and the elderly are more likely to be killed or injured in a pedestrian crash.

Annotation
This statistic is very alarming.  If driver's were more patient and allow pedestrians to cross at their own pace maybe these numbers will be reduced.  It is also important for pedestrians to be careful when they cross the road and watch out for reckless drivers.
 

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
             http://www.ohs.fhwa.dot.gov/peds/every2.htm
 
 

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Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers
 

• According to a recent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 90% of drivers have experienced an aggressive driving incident in the past year. That study defined aggressive driving as any sort of risky behavior behind the wheel, including tailgating, speeding, cutting dangerously through traffic, and disobeying stop signs or red lights. The study also estimated that since 1990, aggressive driving incidents have increased by approximately 51%, resulting in an average of 1,500 fatalities and injuries each year.

Annotation
Aggressive driving has been known to cause accidents.  There should be an awareness or educational program to combat aggressive driving.  Starting to teach children or teens when they begin driving is a good start.  Parents and other role models should also be aware that children learn driving habits by watching.

Source:  http://www.house.gov/horn/press/col970723.htm
 
 

• An average of at least 1,500 men, women, and children are injured or killed each year in the United States as a result of "aggressive driving." A review of 10,037 incidents gathered by Mizell & Company from newspapers, police reports, and insurance reports clearly illustrates that anyone can be targeted and victimized.

The data also indicate that there is no one profile of the so-called "aggressive driver." Although the majority of the perpetrators are between the ages of 18 and 26, Mizell & Company recorded hundreds of cases in which the perpetrator was 26 to 50 years old. In 86 known cases from January of 1990 to September 1, 1996, the aggressive driver was 50 to 75 years old.
 

Annotation
It is very obvious by the studies that aggressive driving can kill.  This should be made known to the public so they can change their behavior.  The first step in changing a behavior is to become aware of it.  This fact shows that all groups are guilty of aggressive driving and no single profile is responsible.  All of us need to be aware of our driving behavior and take steps in improving it.

Source:  Aggressive Driving,  A Report by Louis Mizell, Inc. for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
              http://www.aaafts.org/Text/research/agdrtext.htm#Aggressive Driving

• Aggressive tailgating (62 percent) was the most common form of "road rage," followed by headlight flashing (59 percent), obscene gestures (48 percent), deliberately obstructing other vehicles (21 percent) and verbal abuse (16 percent). One percent of drivers claim to have been physically assaulted by other motorists.                                                  (Automobile Association commissioned a survey of 526 motorists, January 1995)

Annotation
I think this statistic has merit to it.  It is common when I drive to see people committing these acts of aggressive driving.  Many times drivers are not aware they are doing these things or they do not believe it is an act of aggressive driving.  People need to be aware of why these acts are aggressive and how they can cause accidents and even death.

Source: Road Rage, The Automobile Association Group Public Policy Road Safety Unit Matthew Joint, MSc, BSc,   MCIT,  Head of Behavioral Analysis, March, 1995 http://www.aaafts.org/Text/research/agdrtext.htm#Road Rage
 

 

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Speed Limits
 

• In 1987, the U.S. Congress amended a 1974 law limiting the National Maximum Speed Limit to 55 mph by allowing states to raise the speed limit to 65 on rural interstates. Most states chose to do so and, predictably, death tolls on those roads went up by over 30 percent in 1989.

Annotation
Speed can be a major factor in accidents.  It can cause you to have a decreased field of vision and also can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Source: http://www.saferoads.org/policy/speed.html

• A person shall not drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. § 28-704

Annotation
Speeding is obviously a dangerous act in driving, but driving too slow is also very hazardous.  It not only slows the movement of traffic, but also provides another obstacle for other drivers.  A slow driver is like a piece of debris on the road that one might have to swerve to avoid.

Source:  Summary of State Speed Laws (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 7th Street, SW,   Washington, DC 20590) (Jan 1997) [TD 8.22:808-510]    http://www.azfms.com/DocReviews/Aug97/art14.html

• The chances of death or serious injury double for every 10 mph over 50 mph a vehicle travels.

Annotation
The chances of injury must also go up on roads where many drivers are exceeding 50 mph.  As with many things, moderation should be used with the vehicles speed.  Driving too slow is hazardous, but too fast is very deadly.

Source:  http://www.banda.mounet.com/wisepd/safety.htm
 
 

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Traffic Safety
 

• Fatal Crashes, Causes and Costs

State                       Fatals  % Speed   % Alcohol      Costs
                                           Related       Related    (in  millions)

Alabama                    1,042     34.8     43.0         $   1,672
Alaska                          118     27.3     42.4         $     257
Arizona                        801     38.6     49.9         $   2,104
Arkansas                      583     35.6     45.6         $     794
California                  4,163     40.4     42.3         $  15,666
Colorado                      559     40.3     41.2         $   1,552
Connecticut                  342     34.0     43.8         $   2,283
Delaware                     111     32.7     48.3         $     388
Dist. of Columbia          57     25.5     43.2         $     549
Florida                     2,635     19.2     44.3         $   8,575
Georgia                    1,394     25.6     39.8         $   3,619
Hawaii                        134     37.7     55.8         $     538
Idaho                           227     38.8     49.7         $     398
Illinois                      1,392     28.4     45.2         $   7,043
Indiana                        889     22.4     37.5         $   2,662
Iowa                            459     11.0     44.4         $   1,045
Kansas                         428     25.9     34.6         $   1,223
Kentucky                      871     28.4     36.9         $   1,734
Louisiana                     879     21.5     54.9         $   2,229
Maine                          185     35.7     40.5         $     633
Maryland                     665     20.1     28.2         $   3,457
Massachusetts             475     17.6     45.6         $   3,670
Michigan                  1,408     25.0     43.7         $   5,683
Minnesota                   538     26.8     39.4         $   1,695
Mississippi                 813     18.9     47.4         $     874
Missouri                     947     37.6     52.1         $   2,608
Montana                      195     43.1     58.5         $     334
Nebraska                     254     23.3     42.2         $     790
Nevada                        263     38.5     48.8         $     760
New Hampshire          121     25.9     39.1         $     422
New Jersey                 788      7.2     36.3         $   6,867
New Mexico               431     41.5     58.4         $     865
New York                1,781     27.1     33.4         $  11,956
North Carolina         1,389     38.6     37.0         $   3,890
North Dakota                89     25.9     51.1         $     189
Ohio                         1,482     20.7     35.3         $   6,825
Oklahoma                    671     47.9     40.2         $   1,237
Oregon                        524     30.4     41.4         $   1,391
Pennsylvania            1,529     37.2     45.0         $   5,669
Rhode Island                 74     35.7     53.1         $     405
South Carolina            846     45.2     27.9         $   1,656
South Dakota               140     36.4     42.4         $     258
Tennessee                 1,171     27.8     44.6         $   2,484
Texas                        3,037     33.9     58.9         $   8,384
Utah                              303     28.2     32.1         $     643
Vermont                       110     41.6     44.2         $     260
Virginia                        878     23.1     45.2         $   3,234
Washington                   661     37.3     50.5         $   2,733
West Virginia               429     32.2     42.9         $     868
Wisconsin                    714     30.5     45.1         $   2,201
Wyoming                      120     53.0     42.5         $     214

TOTAL U.S.             40,115     30.4     43.6         $ 137,483

Annotation
In comparison with other states, Hawaii is rather low on the amount of fatalities, but one of the highest in percentage due to alcohol.  Here in Hawaii more must be done to combat alcohol related deaths.  This chart also shows that speed and alcohol are the leading causes of traffic fatalities across the nation.

Source: All figures are 1993 except costs were calculated based on 1990 deaths and injuries. All data
             are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.
             http://www.saferoads.org/facts/fs-fatal.html

• Twenty-five percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths nationwide occurred in nighttime single-vehicle crashes, with the highest percentages in Hawaii (43 percent), North Dakota (34 percent), and Louisiana (33 percent)

Annotation
Here again is another statistic that Hawaii is at the top of the nation.  I would imagine that nighttime single-vehicle crashes are often alcohol related.  The previous chart shows that Hawaii has one of the highest percentage of traffic fatalities due to alcohol.  Stronger campaign need to reach the people to alert them of the dangers.

Source:  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Center for Statistics and Analysis
              http://www.ittautomotive.com/drivesafer/

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 200,000 auto collisions annually may be fatigue-related.

Annotation
Although fatigue is not as common as speed or alcohol as factors in crashes, it needs to be addressed as a serious problem.  Falling asleep at the wheel is a real threat to drivers and actions should be taken to guard against it.

Source: National Sleep Foundation, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 1995.
             http://www.sna.com/ots/safety/fatigue.html
 
 

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Young Drivers
 

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death in American men under age 21.

Annotation
Young drivers are statistically a very dangerous group of motorists.  Programs in schools might be an easy way to reach them and educated them.  Also, parents must emphasize safe driving and lead by example.

Source:  American Forces Press Service.  http://www.dtic.mil/afps/news/9708076.html

• Although drivers in the 16-19 age group constitute only 5.2 percent of the nation's driving population, they are involved in 13.2 percent of all traffic crashes and nearly 12 percent of fatal crashes, according to the National Safety Council.

Annotation
Young drivers make up only a small part of the driving population, but account for a significant part of the crashes.  Young drivers may lack the maturity or experience of older drivers.

Source:  http://www.nationwide.com/nationwide/consumer/articles/961004_teens.html

• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds and are responsible for nearly one-third of the deaths in this age group," said AAA President Robert L. Darbelnet. "Yet in a survey conducted by AAA, only 22 percent of 1,000 respondents identified traffic crashes as the greatest threat to teen-agers. Almost  half listed the biggest risk as drug addiction, which ranks 28th among all causes of death for persons in this age group."

Annotation
This fact shows that many are not aware that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among 15-20 year olds.  I think the media exposes more on the dangers of drugs and violence and leads people to think those are the biggest threat to youths.  Although those are serious topics that need coverage, safe driving also needs an equal share of media exposure.

Source: AAA launches major campaign to fight young driver deaths - Sept.23,1997.  http://www.aaa.com/news/learn.html
 
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