NATIONAL VS. STATE STATISTICS
Every year, organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the Insurance Information Institute release car accident statistics to help the nation improve safety and decrease fatalities.
In 2018, there were a total of 33,654 fatal motor vehicle crashes and 36,560 people lost their lives. The year before (2017), 37,473 people died. According to the IIHS, 603 of these fatal crashes and 655 deaths occurred in Oklahoma (in 2018).
OKLAHOMA TRENDS
Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, Oklahoma residents saw 1.44 deaths. There were 16.6 deaths per 100,000 members of the population. In Oklahoma, most traffic fatalities occurred in passenger vehicles, pickups, and SUVs, but motorcyclists, pedestrians, large truck drivers, and bicyclists were also affected. The majority (54%) of car accidents were multi-vehicle crashes and 70% of drivers killed had known BAC (blood alcohol concentration) results.
Drunk drivers are a huge problem in Oklahoma and nationwide. Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. Oklahoma’s rate of drunk driving fatalities is significantly higher than the nationwide rate of alcohol involvement in fatal motor vehicle accidents. Once again, in Oklahoma 70% of fatal crashes involved alcohol, and in the United States, only 10.5% of fatal crashes involved drivers who were under the influence.
NEGLIGENT BEHAVIORS
While many contributing factors are not measured state by state, the III provides a list and statistics for negligent driving behaviors:
- 16.9% of fatal accidents involved speeding or racing
- 7.3% were caused by failing to keep in the proper lane
- 7.1% were caused by failing to yield right of way
- 5.7% of fatal accidents involved distracted driving
- 5.7% can be attributed to reckless driving
Other factors, like weather and drowsiness, also played a part in 2017’s fatal accidents.
These behaviors can all be considered negligent, especially if they harm or kill someone else.
RECOVERY FOR OKLAHOMA RESIDENTS
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by drunk driving or another negligent behavior, you may be eligible for compensation.
Filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit with Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC can help you cope with medical expenses, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other difficulties.
To explore your options with our experienced legal team, simply call us at 918-492-7674 today or schedule your free consultation online.