Auto accident data provides valuable information about the factors that contribute to collisions. Understanding why accidents occur can help drivers stay safe on the road.
Review the statistics about auto accidents in Virginia to avoid potentially dangerous driving habits.
Auto accident fatalities
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the state experienced 827 auto accident deaths in 2019, an increase of 9.8% since 2015. Nearly 8% of these fatal crashes involved drivers ages 16 to 19. In addition, pedestrians represent more than 15% of the recorded fatalities.
Auto accident causes
Data from the Virginia Text Transportation Institute indicates that 80% of crashes in the state involve a driver distraction, such as reading a text or eating breakfast behind the wheel. In addition, the researchers found distractions to blame in 65% of near-miss crashes studied.
The DMV cites alcohol as a factor in about 5.5% of crashes and nearly 32% of auto accident fatalities in Virginia in 2019. The same year, excessive speed contributed to 19% of crashes and about 42% of auto accident fatalities in the state.
DMV data also shows that individuals who do not wear a seatbelt are eight times more likely to die in a car crash than people who use the proper restraints. Improper seatbelt use played a role in 304 Virginia fatalities in 2019.
Based on this information, drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of a serious auto accident injury. Wear a seatbelt, set limits for teen drivers, limit speed, abstain from drinking and driving, and remove distractions from the cabin while operating the vehicle.