Baxley Maniscalco Attorneys At Law
Crash Data: 2016 to 2022
Car crashes are a significant public safety issue in the state of Alabama, with thousands of people being injured or killed in traffic accidents each year. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 32,000 motor vehicle crash fatalities in the United States in 2019 alone. In Alabama, car crashes are a leading cause of death and injury, with more than 9,000 crashes resulting in fatalities or injuries in 2019.
Over the past decade, there have been significant changes and trends in the frequency and causes of car crashes in the state. We will look at car crash trends in Alabama over the past decade, explore the factors that contribute to these crashes, and discuss efforts that have been made to reduce the number of car crashes in the state.
To analyze car crash trends in Alabama over the past decade, we used data from the Alabama Department of Transportation's Crash Data Unit. This data includes information on all traffic crashes that occurred on public roads in Alabama and were reported to law enforcement agencies. The data includes the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities for each year from 2010 to 2022, as well as information on the contributing factors and circumstances of each crash.
One limitation of this data is that it only includes crashes that were reported to law enforcement agencies. It is possible that some crashes may not have been reported, particularly if they were minor or did not result in injuries or fatalities. This could potentially lead to an undercount of the total number of crashes in the state.
Total Motor Vehicle Crashes in Alabama by Year
Breakdown of Motor Vehicle Crash Types in Alabama
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in the State of Alabama?
The most common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and poor weather conditions.
Other factors that can contribute to car accidents include failure to yield the right of way, running red lights or stop signs, and reckless or aggressive driving.
These types of accidents can be caused by a combination of factors, including driver error, vehicle defects, and road conditions. It is important for drivers to be aware of these common causes and take steps to avoid them in order to reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident.
The Total Number of Car Accidents Per Year in Alabama Is Trending Down
Over the past decade, there has been a general trend of decreasing numbers of car crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Alabama.
According to the data from the Alabama Department of Transportation's Crash Data Unit, the number of crashes in the state declined by about 10% from 2010 to 2020, while the number of injuries declined by about 15% and the number of fatalities declined by about 20%.
Numbers provided by the NHTSA indicate that car crashes in the state declined from more than 170,000 in 2010 to just under 160,000 in 2020. The decade as a whole saw more than 1.3 million car crashes in Alabama between 2010 and 2020, resulting in over 4,600 deaths and more than 250,000 injuries.
Fatalities Down by 20%
However, there have been some fluctuations in these trends over the past decade. For example, the number of crashes increased slightly from 2015 to 2016, before declining again in 2017. The number of fatalities also saw a slight increase from 2017 to 2018, before declining again in 2019 and 2020.
Factors Contributing to Car Accidents in Alabama
There are many factors that can contribute to car crashes in Alabama, including driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle factors.
Some of the most common contributing factors identified in the data from the Alabama Department of Transportation's Crash Data Unit include:
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Speeding: Speeding is a major contributor to car crashes in Alabama, with over 25% of crashes in the state being caused by speeding in 2019. Speeding was a factor in more than 30% of all car crash fatalities. Speeding significantly increases both the severity of the crash and the likelihood of serious injury or death.
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Drunk driving: Alcohol-impaired driving is also a significant contributor to car crashes in Alabama, with over 20% of crashes involving alcohol in 2019. According to data from ALDOT, there were over 8,000 drunk driving crashes in the state between 2010 and 2020, resulting in more than 500 deaths. This represents a significant portion of all car crashes in the state, and highlights the need for effective measures to prevent drunk driving.
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Distracted driving: Distracted driving is also a major contributor to car crashes in Alabama, with over 10% of crashes being caused by distracted driving in 2019 and more than 8% of fatalities involving distracted driving. Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, applying makeup, or fiddling with the radio.
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Improper lane usage: Improper lane usage, such as weaving in and out of lanes or failing to signal when changing lanes, is another common contributing factor to car crashes in Alabama.
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Weather conditions: Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and ice, also contribute to car crashes in Alabama, particularly during the winter months.
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Poor roadway design: Poor roadway design, including inadequate lighting, narrow or winding roads, and other factors, was a significant contributor to car crashes in Alabama. According to data from the NHTSA, poor roadway design was a factor in more than 10% of car crash fatalities in the United States in 2019.
Vehicle defects, including faulty brakes, tires, and other components, also contributed to a substantial number of car crashes in Alabama. According to data from the NHTSA, vehicle defects were a factor in more than 5% of car crash fatalities in the United States in 2019.
Efforts to Reduce the Number of Car Accidents in Alabama
To raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving, the state of Alabama has launched a number of public education campaigns, including television and radio commercials, social media campaigns, and billboards. These campaigns aim to educate drivers on the risks of these behaviors and encourage Alabama drivers to make safe driving choices.
In addition to public education efforts, Alabama has also implemented stricter laws and enforcement measures to reduce car crashes. For example, the state has increased the penalties for drunk driving and implemented a law prohibiting texting while driving. These measures have been successful in reducing the number of car crashes in Alabama, particularly those caused by distracted and drunk driving.
Other efforts to reduce car crashes in Alabama have focused on improving infrastructure. For example, ALDOT has invested in a number of road improvement projects over the past decade, including the construction of new highways and the widening of existing roads. These projects have been designed to improve safety and reduce the number of crashes.
The 2022 Alabama Crash Facts Report
Alabama roadways witnessed a troubling rise in car crashes in 2022. Here's a breakdown of the key statistics:
- Nearly 1,000 Lives Lost: A staggering 986 people perished in car crashes across the state. This translates to a person dying in a traffic accident roughly every 8 hours and 53 minutes.
- Nighttime Peril: Over half (52%) of these fatal crashes occurred during nighttime hours (including dusk and dawn), highlighting the importance of extra caution while driving at night.
- Young Drivers at Risk: While drivers of all ages were involved, a significant portion (19%) of fatal crashes involved drivers under 25 years old. Teenagers (19 and under) were responsible for 7% of fatal accidents.
- Crash Frequency: The frequency of crashes was alarmingly high. On average, a traffic accident was reported every 3 minutes and 38 seconds.
- Injuries Mounting: For every fatality, there were approximately 38.5 injuries, resulting in a significant burden on medical services and individuals.
- Seatbelt Neglect: A disturbing trend was the disregard for seatbelts. In crashes where seatbelts were available, over half (57%) of the fatalities involved occupants who weren't buckled up. This emphasizes the life-saving potential of seatbelt use.
These statistics paint a concerning picture of Alabama's road safety. The Alabama Department of Transportation's Drive Safe Alabama initiative highlights the critical need for improved driver education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and increased focus on preventing risky behaviors like speeding and distracted driving.
By prioritizing safety measures, Alabama can work towards reducing these tragic numbers and making its roads safer for everyone.
Don't Be a Statistic
If you've been involved in a car accident in Alabama, don't face the aftermath alone. Our experienced team at Baxley Maniscalco Injury Attorneys is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. You focus on healing – we'll handle the rest. Don't wait, take action now and let us fight for your rights.