REPORT: National crash average for a driver is once per decade

Every year, many reports are published discussing statistics related to crashes on our roadways. Although on paper they are just numbers, to those who actually make up those statistics, it is far from that. Each crash, no matter how small, can have profound effects on those involved. It may come in the form of emotions and anxiety, minor injuries, hospitalization, or even death.

A recent report looked into these accidents in order to figure out which states have the most crashes. The study looked at Allstate insurance claims that were filed in 200 U.S. states during 2011 and 2012.

It appears the national average comes out to drivers being involved in one accident every 10 years. At the top of the most dangerous list is our nation’s capital, where drivers are reportedly involved in one car accident every 4.8 years, on average. The top 20 most dangerous cities are filled with a lot of big cities, including Philadelphia, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Drivers in New York are a bit more dangerous than the national average, with an accident every 7.3 years.

The study points out that driving in big cities brings a number of challenges such as the potential to get lost, public transportation, and more emergencies and overall traffic. On the other hand, small cities also have their fair share of problems. In low-population areas there may be fewer crosswalks, more large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, and higher speed limits.

Although our busy city may bring more potential for car accidents, it doesn’t mean residents have to move to Fort Collins, Colorado (where drivers have on average one accident every 13.9 years) in order to feel safe. Drivers have rights when victimized by a negligent driver and should not be left with the messy aftermath that resulted from someone else’s reckless actions.

Source: Huffington Post, “Which State Has The Most Car Accidents?” Karen Brooks, Aug. 28, 2013