Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the preliminary data for catastrophic motor vehicle collisions for the First Quarter of 2024. The federal agency found that the year-over-year car accident fatality rate nationwide dropped by about 3.2 percent. It is good news. However, car accident deaths in the United States still remain elevated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this article, our Stockton auto accident attorney provides a more in-depth overview of the latest motor vehicle crash data from federal highway safety authorities.
The Good News: Car Accidents Deaths Were Down in Q1 of 2024
In June, NHTSA published its preliminary report for fatal motor vehicle collisions in the United States for the First Quarter of 2024. In a positive turn of events, the first quarter of 2024 saw a 3.2 percent drop in car crash deaths nationwide. Here is an overview of the data:
- Q1 of 2023: 8,935 car accident fatalities
- Q1 of 2024: 8,650 car accident fatalities
In 2022, there was a 5 decade high hit in first quarter motor vehicle accident deaths in the United States. Thankfully, 2023 and 2024 have seen declines. It is a trend that we hope continues throughout the rest of 2024 and in the coming year.
The Bad News: Car Accidents Deaths are Still Up Dramatically in the Last Decade
While any year-of-year drop in car accident deaths is good news, it is important not to celebrate too much. Here is the reality: Car accident deaths are still up dramatically in the last decade. There was a long-term trend of falling car crash fatalities in the United States that began to truly emerge in the early 1980’s. In 2013, 32,893 were killed in motor vehicle collisions nationwide. For reference, that was the lowest annual figure since all the way back in 1949.
However, since 2013, motor vehicle accident deaths in the U.S. have been rising. At first, the increase was relatively gradual. However, the number of highway fatalities spiked dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only now are they starting to fall again—and that fall is slow. In 2023, 40,990 were killed in car crashes—approximately 25 percent higher than a decade earlier. Based on Q1 data for 2024, our country is on pace to see about 40,000 car deaths this year. A tragic figure.
Motor Vehicle Accident Deaths Were Up in Many States (including California)
According to the preliminary data from NHTSA, 29 states saw a drop in year-over-year car crash deaths in the first quarter of 2024. However, California was not one of those states. NHTSA reports that 965 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the state in Q1 2024. That represents a five percent increase when compared to Q1 2023. Unfortunately, California’s traffic fatality rate for the first quarter of 2024 was nearly 15 percent higher than the national average. For reference, that means California has the 10th highest traffic fatality rate nationwide for Q1 2024. It is an alarming figure because it means that California roads are actually becoming more dangerous relative to the country as a whole. Here are the nine states that had worst highway safety record:
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Nevada
- Arizona
- Kentucky
- Florida
- Oklahoma
The Big Three Reasons Why Highway Safety Officials Believe Car Crash Deaths Spiked
Why did catastrophic car crashes rise during and after the COVID-19 pandemic? More research is still needed to determine all of the root causes. With that being said, highway safety researchers emphasize that the rise in collision is preventable. More drivers are engaging in risky behavior in recent years. They cite three main factors:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents. Broadly speaking, distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention —with the most dangerous being texting and driving. Notably, the prevalence of smartphones has exacerbated the issue. Highway safety regulators believe that distracted driving is on the rise. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Notably, many states, including California, have texting-and-driving laws in place that are designed to help prevent distracted driving.
- Risky Driving: Risky driving is also on the rise. Some of the most common examples of risky driving include speeding, aggressive driving, and not yielding the right of way. These actions not only endanger the driver but also other road users. The thrill and impatience of drivers often lead to poor decision-making, which results in dangerous situations.
- Intoxicated Driving: Despite years of public health campaigns and law enforcement efforts, intoxicated driving continues to be a stubborn issue. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and overall ability to drive safely. Notably, intoxicated driving is cited as a factor in nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes.
Redkey Gordon Holds Auto Insurance Companies Accountable
A car crash can be stressful, confusing, and frustrating. Even when all parties have the proper insurance coverage, it can often be difficult for injured victims to get their claim paid. Redkey Gordon Law Corp is a boutique personal injury law firm that can make the difference. We have a proven record of case resultsin motor vehicle accident claims. Injured victims may be entitled to recover compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other types of damages. Our Stockton car accident lawyers are prepared to invest time, resources, and attention to detail behind your case.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Car Crash Attorneys for a Free Case Review
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton auto accident lawyers are committed to pursuing justice for the people who need help the most. With tens of millions in compensation secured for injured victims, we hold insurance companies accountable. Contact our personal injury team today to set up a free, no obligation case review. From our law office in Stockton, we represent injured victims throughout the area, including in Manteca, Galt, Sutter Creek, Lodi, and Sacramento.