What are the odds of being in a car crash?
Car Accident - September 26, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Different sources measure the odds of being in a car crash differently, with some studying fatal crashes, others looking at rates for drivers only, and still others counting any type of car incident as an accident. For drivers, passengers, or pedestrians, the odds of being involved in a car accident rise with the presence of risk factors, which include unsafe driving habits and substance use, among others. A Chicago car accident attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can put the odds of securing compensation in your favor if you have been hurt in a crash.
Driving habits that increase the odds of being in a car crash
Vehicle operators who drive at an excessive speed beyond the speed limit or too fast for conditions raise the risk of accidents for all others on the road. It is harder to control a speeding vehicle, and often more difficult to bring to a stop, and high-speed accidents often cause substantial damage.
Weaving in and out of lanes is another way to increase the odds of a crash. These reckless drivers can easily sideswipe or rear-end another driver. They may also force other cars to swerve or go off-road.
Any unsafe driving behavior raises the risk of a crash. Blowing through stop signs, failing to yield to the right of way, or racing to make it through a yellow light are all examples of behaviors that violate traffic laws and put all on the roads in danger.
Driving under the influence and distracted driving
Drunk driving vehicle accidents are a continuing problem. According to the Illinois DUI factbook, over a recent year, 288 people died in alcohol-related accidents, representing 23% of the 1,245 motor-vehicle deaths in the State. The Secretary of State’s office reported 21,245 DUI arrests.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states 30% of crash-deaths nationwide involve alcohol use, accounting for one death every 42 minutes. The NHTSA also highlights how distracted driving increases the odds of a crash.
According to NHTSA data from a recent reporting year, distracted driving caused 3,275 fatalities and 325,000 injuries. Any activity that takes a driver’s visual, cognitive, or manual attention away from operating the vehicle raises the risk of being injured in a car accident
Other risk factors that raise the odds of being in a car crash
Additional circumstances contribute to an increased risk of car accidents. These factors include:
- Location: Accidents occur more frequently in high-traffic spaces and urban areas. There are also common causes of intersection car accidents
- Time of day: Rush hour is when traffic is heaviest, and more cars mean more opportunities to crash. Driving at night is also riskier, as visibility is low or drivers may become momentarily blinded by oncoming headlights
- Age and experience: Younger and more inexperienced drivers are more likely to have accidents. Teen drivers are more easily distracted, and any lack of experience increases the chance for error and decreases the ability to respond quickly to avoid a crash
Driving on wet or icy roads or in inclement weather increases the odds for an accident, especially when other drivers fail to adjust their speed and on-road behaviors to those conditions
Vehicle type
The vehicle itself can raise the risk of significant injuries in a crash. A recent NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts report showed an increase in car-crash injuries to light truck occupants, including SUV, pickup, and van occupants. Our team also compiled a research-based list of the 10 most dangerous cars.
What statistics say about the odds of being in a fatal car accident
For the average driver, our team’s research indicates the average number of car accidents in a lifetime is 3 or 4. This includes minor fender-benders or serious crashes. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the odds of dying in a car accident are 1 in 95.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) breaks down the chance of dying in a car crash in its state-by-state fatality facts. Illinois has a fatality rate of 1.21 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and 9.9 per 100,000 people.
For comparison, Mississippi has the highest rates of 1.79 per VMT and 24.9 per 100,000 people. Massachusetts has the lowest at .56 and 4.9, respectively. Regardless of what the statistics say, when someone else’s negligent behavior causes you harm, you have the right to demand accountability and justice.
We are committed to justice after a crash
The team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is committed to getting justice for victims of a traffic accident or other preventable injuries. We will fight to recover your medical bills, property, income, and other losses, and seek financial acknowledgement for your pain and suffering. Please contact us online or call (800) 985-1819 to schedule your free case review.
