In the United States, the odds of dying in a car crash are about 1.34 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, showing the significant risk drivers face nationwide. In Illinois, that rate is approximately 1.21 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, reflecting the ongoing danger and the potential for severe emotional trauma after a collision.
What are the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash?
The lifetime odds of dying in a car crash in the U.S are approximately 1 in 95, according to the most recent data from the National Safety Council. This makes car crashes one of the leading causes of preventable death in the country.- Lifetime odds of dying in a car crash: 1 in 95
- Annual risk per average driver: Approximately 1 in 107
- Fatal accidents per year (2023): 40,901 traffic fatalities in the U.S
- Fatality rate: 12.2 wrongful death cases per 100,000 people, or 1.27 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
- Per-mile odds of dying in a car crash: Roughly 0.00000125% chance of death per mile driven
- Average U.S. driver annual risk: About a 0.02% chance of dying in a crash each year
Greater Risks Than the Odds of Dying in Car Crash
According to the National Safety Council, the following present greater risks than the lifetime odds of dying in a car crash:- Heart disease: 1 in 6
- Cancer (all types): 1 in 7
- Chronic lower respiratory disease: 1 in 27
- Suicide: 1 in 88
- Opioid overdose: 1 in 92
- Gun homicide: 1 in 228
- Unintentional fall: 1 in 133
- Pedestrian accident: 1 in 543
- Drowning: 1 in 1,006
- Fire or smoke inhalation: 1 in 1,287
- Bicycle accident: 1 in 3,396
- Commercial air travel crash: 1 in 20,000+
- Dog attack: 1 in 53,843
- Lightning strike: 1 in 138,849
Chances of Dying on Motorcycle vs Car
The chances of dying on a motorcycle are significantly higher than the odds of dying in a car crash. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are over 28 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than passenger car occupants. Traffic fatalities from motorcycle accidents are disproportionately high, both in Chicago and across the U.S., despite motorcycles making up a small percentage of total motor vehicles and increased laws for motorcycle safety in Chicago. If a family member died in a fatal accident, contact our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys for a free consultation to discuss a potential wrongful death lawsuit.Chances of Dying in a Plane Crash vs Car
The chances of dying in a plane crash are dramatically lower than the odds of dying in a car crash. Air travel has a fatality rate of about 1 in 20 million, while the lifetime odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 95. Despite common fears, flying is one of the safest modes of transportation, whereas motor vehicle travel poses a significantly higher risk of fatal car crashes. If a family member died in a commercial or private aviation accident, contact our Chicago plane accident lawyers for a free case evaluation.Odds of Surviving a Rollover Car Accident
The odds of surviving a rollover car accident are roughly 65% to 75%, depending on seat belt use, speed, motor vehicle type, and impact severity. Motor vehicle occupants who wear seat belts have much higher survival rates. Over 80% of ejected occupants die in rollover crashes. If you’ve been injured, contact a Chicago t-bone accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Chances of Dying in a Car Crash in Illinois
In 2024, there were 1,196 deaths from fatal car accidents in Illinois. This marks a slight decrease from 2023, but fatal accidents remain a serious risk. Key statistics include:- 1,103 fatal car accidents in Illinois
- 1,196 total traffic fatalities in Illinois
- 1.21 wrongful deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
- 147 motorcycle deaths (down from 162 in 2023)
- 35 cyclist deaths (down from 41 in 2023)
- 219 pedestrian deaths (up from 200 in 2023, a 9.5% increase)
What are the Chances of Getting in a Car Crash?
In the U.S., the average driver will be involved in at least one accident approximately every 17.9 years, which means most will experience 3 to 4 car accidents in their lifetime. Statistically:- There’s a 1 in 17 chance of being in a car accident each year
- A car accident occurs about once every 366 miles driven
- Most drivers will file an accident-related insurance claim at least once every 18 years
- With about 100 billion vehicle miles driven annually, that equals about 1 crash per 350 miles
- Urban areas like Chicago see a higher frequency of car accidents due to traffic density and congestion
Odds of Getting in a Car Accident Per Year
Drivers with standard driving habits in the U.S. have about a 1 in 17 chance of being involved in a car accident each year. That includes all types of car accidents. The odds are nearly identical for Illinois drivers.- U.S. average: 1 in 17 chance per year
- Illinois (2023): 299,133 reported car accidents statewide
- Lifetime odds: 3 to 4 car accidents over one’s lifetime
What are the Chances of Getting Hit By a Car on an E-Bike if You Take a Bike Lane?
Based on a 2024 study of 5,474 U.S. e-bike injury records, approximately 47% involved traffic-related crashes, and about 25% involved a collision with a car, pickup, or van. Chicago reported 1,440 total bike crashes in 2023.- About 25% of e-bike crashes involve a car accident
- Roughly 47% of all e-bike injuries are traffic-related
- 1,440 reported bicycle crashes in Chicago
What are the Odds of Getting Hit By a Car While Walking?
The odds of getting hit by a car while walking in the United States are approximately 0.021% per year- Around 70,000 pedestrians are hit by motor vehicles yearly
- 9.1% of pedestrians die, 21.8% suffer severe injuries
- Pedestrians hit at 20 mph have a 90% survival rate; below 50% survival rate at 30 mph
- Lifetime odds of dying in a pedestrian crash: 1 in 556
- 219 pedestrian deaths reported in 2024
- An average of 3 pedestrian deaths per day
- Pedestrians account for 18% of statewide wrongful death cases in traffic accidents
- 50% of fatal pedestrian crashes were hit-and-run crashes
- 68% of traffic deaths involve speeding
- 48% of pedestrian deaths involved SUVs or large vehicles
Odds of Getting Hurt in a Car Accident
The odds of getting hurt in a car accident are about 2.14% per year, which means that roughly 2.14% of licensed drivers suffer an injury. In contrast, the U.S. has an injury rate of 179 per 10,000 registered motor vehicles, indicating that about 1.79% of all registered vehicles are involved in injury-causing car accidents. These two metrics offer different perspectives on road safety, with the first focusing on the likelihood of injury among drivers and the second on the proportion of vehicles involved in crashes. The odds of getting hurt in a car accident in Illinois are approximately 2.06% per year. The odds of getting hurt in a car accident in Chicago are approximately 2.3% per year for any injury, and 0.42% per year for serious injury.
Most Common Types of Non-Fatal Car Accident Injuries in Illinois
Not every vehicle accident results in death. Injuries, however, can and do happen. The following are a few of the most common auto accident injuries in Illinois:- Head and brain injuries from car accidents
- Neck and back injuries (most common in rear-end collisions)
- Spinal cord injuries from car accidents
- Broken bones and fractures (common in side and head-on collisions)
- Internal bleeding and internal injuries from car accidents
- Soft tissue injuries from car accidents
- Facial injuries and eye problems after car accidents
- Car accident miscarriage
- Incapacitating injuries: approximately 10%
- Non-incapacitating: approximately 30–40%
- Possible injuries: approximately 50–60%
What Increases the Likelihood of Dying in a Car Crash?
The National Safety Council reports that approximately 5.1 million medically consulted injuries occur nationwide due to car accidents. The number of fatal car accidents resulting in at least one death is around 42,795, according to the NHTSA. Remember that those exact figures only represent the average odds of dying in a car accident. Several things increase a person’s vulnerability. The following are among the most significant and most critical factors.Driver’s Age, Number of Driving Years, and Ability to Use Defensive Driving Techniques
Younger drivers, despite having fewer years of experience, may be more adept at learning and applying defensive driving skills. In contrast, older drivers may have developed defensive driving habits over time, but could be affected by declining physical or cognitive abilities. The ability to use defensive driving techniques is crucial for all drivers, regardless of age or experience, as it helps in anticipating and reacting to potential hazards on the road.Negligent Driving Habits
Approximately 94% of automobile incidents are attributed to driver error, with recognition mistakes accounting for around 41% and judgment mistakes contributing to about 33% of crashes.Speeding is a Contributing Factor for Many Fatal Car Crashes
Speeding is a significant contributing factor to fatal car crashes. When you accelerate and your speed increases by 1%, your odds of dying in a car crash climb to 4%. According to the NHTS, excessive speeds were a factor in 29% of all car accident wrongful death cases in the United States in 2022. Furthermore, going over the speed limit not only increases the risk of a crash but also exacerbates the severity of injuries and fatalities when a crash occurs. Efforts to reduce speeding through enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements are critical to enhancing road safety.Drunk Driving Causes Many Fatal Car Accidents
Our Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers can attest that driving while drunk dramatically raises the odds of dying in a car crash. According to the NHTSA, in 2022, drunk or impaired driving was responsible for 32% of all fatal accidents in the United States, resulting in over 13,000 wrongful death cases. The consequences of impaired driving are severe, not only for the driver but also for passengers and the community at large. Efforts to combat drunk driving include strict laws, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to prevent driving under the influence. Alcohol or drugs were found in the bodies of almost 30% of people slain in single-vehicle crashes. Approximately 13% of motorists killed in multiple-car accidents were under the influence.Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant risk factor for car accidents. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving was a factor in 8% of fatal car crashes. Engaging in distracting behaviors while driving can lead to reduced reaction times, increased stopping distances, and a higher likelihood of being involved in a collision. If you were hurt by a distracted driver, contact a Chicago distracted driving accident attorney for a free consultation.Time Spent Driving
Your chances of dying in a car accident climb with the amount of time you spend driving and the frequency of driving. Commercial vehicle drivers often spend extended periods behind the wheel, increasing the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Prolonged driving times can impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and overall ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, making fatigue a significant concern in the commercial driving industry. Commuters and delivery drivers who travel extensively see an increased chance of being killed in a vehicle accident. This also includes rideshare drivers, road trippers, and other individuals. Our Chicago company vehicle accident lawyers have helped thousands of commercial commuters over the years.What is the Most Common Type of Car Accident?
The most common types of vehicle accidents include:- Rear-end collisions
- Intersection crashes
- Sideswipe collisions
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Head-on collisions