The number and types of motor vehicle crash deaths differ widely among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. A state's population has an obvious effect on the number of motor vehicle deaths. Fatality rates per capita and per vehicle miles traveled provide a way of examining motor vehicle deaths relative to the population and amount of driving. However, many factors can affect these rates, including types of vehicles driven, travel speeds, rates of licensure, state traffic laws, emergency care capabilities, weather, and topography.
Fatal crash totals
Per the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there were 34,247 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2017 in which 37,133 deaths occurred. This resulted in 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.16 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. The fatality rate per 100,000 people ranged from 4.5 in the District of Columbia to 23.1 in Mississippi. See how your state compares to the others.
Seeking Legal Help After an Accident
If you or someone you know was injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Melman Law Group, our attorneys have experience handling these claims, investigating the circumstances of an incident, and working tirelessly to pursue compensation on our client’s behalf. Please do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation, which are always free (770) 365-7556.