Until the last few years, the rate of car accidents and resulting fatalities have declined in the United States. But as populations rise, so does the likelihood of car crashes. This is particularly true in Hawaii. Land and space are limited, making streets and highways congested with traffic. The consequence? Hawaii drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all at risk of suffering injuries in a collision.
Did you get hurt in a car accident on Oahu? The Honolulu and Waipahu personal injury attorneys at Recovery Law Center can help. Call or contact us for a free consultation.
Car Accident Statistics
According to recent car accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic deaths jumped more than seven percent in a single year. An estimated 38,860 people died in auto accidents across the U.S., even though the number of vehicle miles traveled decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just six months into the following year, data shows an estimated 20,160 people died in motor vehicle accidents ― an 18 percent increase over the previous year and the largest number of projected fatalities in the past 15 years.
What Is the Likelihood of Getting in a Car Accident?
According to the National Safety Council, you have a 1 in 101 chance of dying in a motor vehicle accident. Insurance data suggests that 30 percent of Americans are likely to be involved in a serious crash, and the average American will file a car accident claim every 18 years. The majority of collisions result in property damage only. If you are hurt in a wreck, a car accident attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid legal claim against the driver.
Why Are Road Accidents Increasing?
In recent years, the increase in road accidents has been primarily attributed to shifts in traffic patterns. These shifts involve lulls in the number of cars on the road, encouraging some drivers to speed. However, when traffic rates pick up, these same motorists fail to adjust their driving habits. Emptier roads may also encourage drivers to engage in other unsafe behaviors, like driving while impaired or not wearing seat belts.
Furthermore, Census data shows that Hawaii’s population has increased by about 80,000 people over the last decade. The number of tourists visiting the Aloha State also increased substantially, with nearly 2.8 million people flocking to our shores in one recent year alone. This population explosion inevitably comes with risks, especially on the roads.
How Car Accidents Affect All Road Users
Car accidents don’t just affect occupants of passenger vehicles. The spike in motor vehicle crashes also affects other road users. The U.S. saw nearly 5,000 motorcyclists fatalities and 84,000 injuries in one recent year. An additional 6,200 pedestrians died, and 76,000 suffered injuries from motor vehicle crashes. Around 49,000 bicyclists were also hurt during the same time. Even when those numbers represent overall declines from a prior year, they illustrate the human toll that car accidents take on U.S. roads.
Most Common Causes of Increasing Car Accidents
Some of the most significant causes of the jump in car accidents in recent months include:
- Speeding
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Disregarding traffic signals and controls
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Adverse weather conditions
- Inexperienced motorists
- Nighttime driving
Talk to a Hawaii Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash on Oahu, the car accident lawyers at Recovery Law Center can provide reliable legal advice in a no-obligation case review. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Call or contact us today.
