Traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of emergency room visits and death in the United States. While the raw numbers are alarming, breaking them down by time can help people better understand the frequency of crashes and the risk they face as road users.
Here’s a closer look at how many car accidents occur each hour, day, and year—and what those statistics really mean.
Understanding Time-Based Crash Data
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to recognize a few limitations of crash reporting systems:
- States vary in their accident reporting requirements. For instance, California includes many minor, self-reported crashes. In contrast, Texas discontinued driver self-reporting in 2017, meaning its data reflects mostly police-investigated crashes.
- Not all injuries are reported or identified at the scene. Some people may not experience symptoms until hours or days later, which can lead to underreporting.
These differences can impact how complete and comparable the data is from state to state.
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Car Accident Statistics in the United States
In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that roughly 6.14 million traffic crashes occurred across the United States. These crashes involved everything from single-car incidents and rollovers to multi-vehicle collisions, as well as accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Broken down by time, this equates to:
- 16,822 crashes per day
- 701 crashes per hour
These statistics highlight how frequently road users are affected by traffic incidents.
Rates of Injury and Death
A significant percentage of traffic accidents result in serious injury or death. In 2023, the U.S. recorded an estimated 40,901 traffic fatalities. This figure breaks down to:
- 112 fatalities per day
- Nearly five deaths per hour
Almost half the people killed in 2023 traffic crashes were drivers (48%), followed by pedestrians (18%), passengers (15%), motorcyclists (15%), and pedalcyclists (3%).
In addition, around 2.4 million people sustained non-fatal injuries in traffic crashes in 2023. That translates to:
- 6,575 injuries per day
- 274 injuries per hour
These numbers reflect the widespread impact of roadway incidents and highlight the importance of safe driving habits and effective traffic safety measures.
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Why Do Most Traffic Crashes in the US Happen?
While cars and roads have become safer over the decades, human behavior continues to play a major role in traffic accidents. The most common contributing factors include:
- Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes. The faster a car is traveling, the less time drivers have to react — and the more severe the impact tends to be.
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or even adjusting GPS devices while driving diverts attention from the road. According to the NHTSA, thousands of crashes each year are caused by driver distraction.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use remain significant causes of both fatal and non-fatal crashes. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow reaction times and impair judgment.
- Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Falling asleep at the wheel, even for a second, can have devastating consequences.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, snow, and ice reduce visibility and traction, often leading to increased collision rates.
These causes underscore that most crashes are preventable with responsible driving habits. Simple actions like obeying speed limits, putting phones away, and never driving under the influence can dramatically reduce risk.
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Quantifying Your Crash Risk
The risk of being involved in an auto accident comes into focus as you look at the number of crashes per unit time. Once you understand that road users in the U.S. experience 701 crashes per hour throughout every hour of the year, you’ll have a better idea of the enormous risk you take every time you drive, walk, or ride your bicycle. If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and more.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives across Houston. Client testimonials highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.
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