What you’ll learn from this article:
- Fatal car accident statistics show a high rate of deadly crashes nationwide dropping somewhat in 2023.
- Certain factors increase the likelihood of fatal auto crashes, like the accident’s location, time, and driver behavior.
- After a severe or fatal crash, a car accident lawyer can explain your options for accident compensation or a wrongful death claim.
How Many People Die in Car Accidents Every Year?
Deadly car crashes have been on the rise for several years in the U.S. The rising rate only recently dropped slightly, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
There was a year-over-year 3.3% decrease for the first 3 months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Previously, there was an overall .3% decrease between the full year of 2022 compared to 2021, after the rate rose for several years.
Nationwide Fatal Car Statistics 2023 Compared to 2022 (First 3 Months):
- Total U.S. Traffic Deaths for the First 3 Months of 2023: 9,330
- Total U.S. Traffic Deaths for the First 3 Months of 2022: 9,645
Nationwide Fatal Car Statistics 2022 Compared to 2021 (Full Year):
- Total U.S. Traffic Deaths 2022: 42,795 people
- Total U.S. Traffic Deaths 2021: 42,939 people
While fewer than 1% of all car accidents involve fatalities, this is cold comfort to the loved ones left behind. Fatal car accidents shake up families and leave people traumatized.
The National Institutes of Health estimate that between 6.3% and 58% of road traffic accident survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) depending on the accident’s severity and other factors. A person may struggle with PTSD for 6 months to a year, or it can become a lifelong battle.
When looking at nationwide car accident statistics, keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a spike in traffic death rates. The U.S. Government Accountability Office explains that during the pandemic, people who drove on emptier roads tended to engage in riskier driving behaviors like speeding, driving under the influence, and not wearing seatbelts.
Kentucky Fatal Car Accident Statistics 2023
According to Wisevoter, an organization that tracks accident statistics for U.S. citizens, Kentucky had 734 fatal car accidents and 806 deaths in a single year. This is a high number compared to most other states.
Kentucky’s high traffic death rate is attributed to a combination of urban and rural roads. It has a high population density in closely packed urban areas with high traffic volumes and an increased risk of fatal crashes. Kentucky also has mountainous and winding rural terrain making driving more difficult in these areas.
Kentucky Fatal Car Accident Statistics 2023:
- Number of Fatal Car Accidents: 734
- Number of Car Accident Deaths: 806
- Car Accident Death Ranking in the US: #19
- Car Accident Deaths per 100,000 People: 17.9
- Car Accident Deaths per 100,000 People Ranking: #11
What Are the Statistics of Car Accidents Showing?
Overall, car accidents are more likely to happen in areas with high traffic densities, complex road infrastructures, and driving behaviors associated with higher rates of fatal accidents, like drunk driving and aggressive driving. Kentucky recently had the seventh-highest increase in deadly drunk driving crashes in the nation.
The time of day is also a factor in fatal accidents. When the sun is down, deadly accidents are more likely to happen and 35% of all fatal accidents occur between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Holidays and winter weather increase the risk of fatalities due to variables like ice, snow, fatigue, and alcohol consumption. The National Safety Council reports that before and during the following holidays, Americans have a significantly higher risk of being injured in a traffic accident:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
High population and high tourism areas also tend to have higher rates of fatal accidents than other areas. Tourism destinations combine densely traveled streets with drivers who may be unfamiliar with the terrain and unprepared for driving challenges.
As you travel, be aware of car accident risks in Kentucky’s biggest and busiest cities like Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Stay especially alert for driving dangers in high tourism areas, like Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby and around the busy tourist towns in the Appalachian mountains.
While you can’t entirely avoid the risk of car accidents, cautious driving helps tremendously. If the worst happens and you’re in a severe car accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can explain your options and empower you to move forward with confidence.
After a Car Accident in Kentucky, Contact McCoy & Sparks
The team at McCoy & Sparks has seen the ups and downs of car accident statistics for more than a decade and counting. We have the experience it takes to help you deal with the fallout of a severe traffic crash.
After a car accident or wrongful death on Kentucky’s roads, let’s discuss your compensation options for yourself or on behalf of a loved one. You owe McCoy & Sparks nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Schedule your FREE consultation by calling 844-459-9467 or filling out our online form.