A Report on Washington State Car Accidents
Despite an increase in motorists, Washington State has seen a significant decline in car accident related deaths in the last decade. Most American adults drive; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are close to 211 million licensed drivers on our roads and highways. While we are taught to keep our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road and the speedometer, the reality is that there are many drivers who drive impaired, distracted, or that drive recklessly fast. Car accidents and corresponding fatalities and injuries are a reality we accept in order for the privilege to drive.
Accident Statistics vary from state to state. Click here for Washington State car accident statistics.
Washington State Fatal Car Accident Statistics
- Washington State’s traffic fatality rate declined each year between 2006 and 2010. The rate in 2006 was 1.12 deaths per one million automobile miles traveled and it dropped to .8 deaths per million miles travelled in 2010.
- There were 460 deaths associated with car accidents in 2010.
- People between the ages of 21 and 25 experienced the most traffic related deaths of any group.
- More than 64 percent of all car accident fatalities between 2006 and 2010 were to the driver.
- More than 46 percent of car accident deaths occurred on state roadways, 20 percent occurred on city streets, and 31 percent took place on county roads.
- July and August are the deadliest months for drivers.
- The majority of fatal car accidents were involved in a low-speed collision, meaning driving less than 35 miles per hour.
- The overall level of traffic fatalities in Washington was comparable to the national average.
Serious Injury from Car Accidents in Washington State
- The number of serious injuries from car accidents declined from almost 3,000 in 2006 to 2,474 in 2010 (a 17 percent decrease).
- The driver was almost three times more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident than a passenger.
- July and August had the most serious injuries from car accidents.
- Forty-four percent of serious injuries from a car accident occurred in a passenger vehicle while 38 percent occurred in a pickup truck, SUV or van.
Washington State Drunk Driving Statistics
- Between 2006 and 2010, there were a total of 1,323 deaths associated with drunken driving.
- The rate of impaired driving deaths has declined every year since 2006; in 2006 there were 301 fatalities and in 2010 there were 230.
- Impaired driving related deaths were the highest among the 21-25 year age group and in the summer months.
- DUI related deaths nearly doubled on the weekends when compared to weekday driving.
Distracted Driving Statistics for Washington State
- On average, distracted driving accidents caused 152 deaths each year between 2004-2008.
- Between 2004-2008, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 25 percent of all fatal car accidents.
- Drivers aged 16-25 were involved in 26 percent of all distracted driving related deaths compared to 14 percent for people over the age of 70.
- Fifty percent of all distraction related fatalities occurred on the weekends.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
