Reasons for deadly vehicle crashes

Fatal vehicle collisions are often avoidable, with reckless driving being a common reason. Washington drivers who are worried about their safety might review some available data about fatal collisions since the information may reveal insights that could support defensive driving. However, that cannot always prevent collisions when another motorist is negligent.

Notes about fatal accidents

Possibly the most problematic point about fatal collisions is they appear to be increasing. The more than 42,000 fatalities in 2021 represented the highest figure since 2007. Some might assume that a high prevalence of multicar crashes contributes to the high numbers, but data shows that collisions involving one vehicle represent 68% of all fatal crashes.

Another surprising fact is that most fatal crashes occur during weekday daylight hours. That’s not to say that driving at night on weekends is automatically safe, as many accidents – including intoxicated driving-related incidents – could happen on weekends.

Reckless actions and fatal accidents

Moving violations and other illegal or dangerous activities often lead to car accidents. Speeding continues to cause scores of accidents because driving at high speeds makes it difficult to stop or keep control of the vehicle. Driver and passenger tendencies to not wear seatbelts adds to the dangers.

Local governments could address accidents by putting more highway patrol officials on the road on specific days and times, but such steps cannot stop a reckless driver’s behavior. A person prone to consuming alcohol and drugs before driving might not stop even when arrested several times previously, as indicated by statistics related to drunk driving.

Other reasons for crashes may include distracted and fatigued driving. Distracted driving remains a very common reckless behavior that drivers commit. No matter the specific reason, dangerous drivers could face severe consequences for their actions.