Car accidents occur all too frequently. In fact, in the latest data provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, it was reported that more than 800 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2012—a 40% increase over 2011. While each accident is unique and has different contributing factors, there are some factors that more commonly lead to car accidents. In that same data, the MSHP provided data about some of the most common contributing circumstances to 2012 crashes.
Below, we dive into some of that data.
1) Alcohol
The leading contributing circumstance for Missouri car accidents in 2012 was alcohol with 33% of all fatal accidents involving alcohol to some degree.
MSHP released the following regarding alcohol-related crashes:
- 216 people were killed
- 3,513 people were injured
- 207 fatal accidents occurred
- 5,689 accidents were caused total
2) Too Fast for Conditions
Speeding is another leading cause of fatal car accidents in Missouri—specifically situations where the driver was going too fast for the conditions (ex: during inclement weather) but not necessarily exceeding the legal speeding limit.
MSHP released the following regarding accidents related to driving too fast for conditions:
- 200 people were killed
- 7,816 people were injured
- 185 fatal accidents occurred
- 16,300 accidents were caused total
3) Improper Lane Usage / Change
The third most common cause of fatal car accidents was the improper usage of lanes or dangerous changing of lanes. Often, this means that the driver did not properly look out for cars to their side before merging or changing lanes on the freeway.
MSHP released the following regarding accidents related to improper lane usage / change:
- 162 people were killed
- 4,824 people were injured
- 152 fatal accidents occurred
- 13,768 accidents were caused total
4) Speed – Exceeded Limit
The fourth most common cause of fatal car crashes is situations where the driver was actually going faster than the legal limit, regardless of the conditions.
MSHP released the following regarding speeding-related crashes:
- 143 people were killed
- 2,441 people were injured
- 121 fatal accidents occurred
- 3,308 accidents were caused total
5) Failed to Yield
The fifth most common cause of fatal crashes is accidents related to the failure to yield.
MSHP released the following regarding accidents related to the failure to yield:
- 120 people were killed
- 10,790 people were injured
- 110 fatal accidents occurred
- 22,284 accidents were caused total
Contact Our Columbia Car Accident Attorneys Today
Regardless of the cause, if you have been injured in a car accident or if you have lost someone you love in a fatal crash, you should not hesitate to get the legal representation that you deserve. At Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, we are committed to the success of our clients and do everything we can to help them navigate through complex personal injury cases. If you would like to learn more about how we can help with your claim, give our firm a call at 573-499-1700.
