Car Accident Statistics

Driving, as we know, can be a very hazardous activity and there are multiple organizations which track driving and car accident statistics, both nationally and in Maryland. Below are some of the more pertinent statistics for 2020 and 2021. There are not yet finalized numbers for 2022.

In 2020, there were 38,680 fatal car accidents throughout the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These fatal accidents resulted in a total of 42,060 deaths, which constitutes a reduction from the prior year. However, that clearly appears to be a function of COVID-19 and the commensurate reduction of the number of drivers on the road.

In terms of the most prevalent causes of car accidents across the United States, distracted driving remains the most common and dangerous contributor. Specifically, in 2019, distracted driving was responsible for 8.7% of all fatal accidents, according to the NHTSA. Some other causes of significant and/or fatal car accidents include alcohol, speeding and people driving while fatigued.

Certainly, the NHTSA and other similar organizations throughout the country and Maryland have adopted and implemented various measures to try and reduce the number of fatal car accidents (and accidents in general) along with trying to ensure greater road and traffic safety. Such measures include improvements in the overall roadway infrastructure, new and revised traffic laws and increased police and law enforcement presence on the roadways. But none of these operate as a substitute for individual drivers taking the initiative to be responsible, not just for themselves, but also for their fellow drivers and passengers.

Statistics in Maryland

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), in the calendar year 2021, there were approximately 124,000 car accidents in Maryland.  Of these accidents, about 28,400 lead to people being injury and 501 involving deaths or fatalities. What these numbers reflect is a reduction in the total number of accidents, but an increase in the number of fatal accidents. There are multiple possible explanations for this apparent anomaly, both of which relate to COVID-19. First, the fact that there were fewer people driving on the roadways meant that people were traveling at faster speeds more often and accidents at higher speed tend to disproportionately result in more fatalities and serious injuries.

Second, because many people stopped driving for a while, especially at the beginning of COVID-19, returning the roadways likely included some form of skill atrophy and reflex reactions, both of which could also operate to increase the number of accidents.

As with the federal statistics, distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents in Maryland. Specifically, in 2021, that along was responsible for approximately 26% of all car accidents within the state. Secondary and tertiary causes are again very similar to the national numbers – drugs/alcohol, reckless driving, speeding and fatigue.

Maryland has also undertaken some of the same measures in trying to resolve these issues including road repairs, increased enforcement of traffic laws and a heightened police presence on the roadways. But whether you are driving on a local road in Timonium, a state run highway in Maryland or an interstate highway, there is no substitute for paying attention, being proactive instead of reactive and using common sense.

And if all else fails, and you or a loved one is involved in a car accident in Towson, Cockeysville or anywhere else in Baltimore County or Maryland, call us at (443) 275-6345.