Salt Lake City car accident statistics can tell authorities a lot about the way people drive in Salt Lake City. These numbers can even help the Department of Transportation and other entities learn about some of the dangers caused by the way the road is constructed versus weather and traffic patterns.

Individuals will notice the use of statistics in their insurance premiums as insurance companies use this information to gauge high-risk demographics. You can even use the data to modify your driving so that you put more focus on certain behaviors that commonly cause car accidents in Salt Lake City, such as drunk driving and speeding.

Number of Fatalities in Salt Lake City Car Accidents

In 2014, there were seventeen deaths in Salt Lake City caused by car collisions. A total of twenty-five people were involved in those accidents, so eight of them survived.

But the tragedy isn’t just for the loved ones of those who died. Indeed, the survivors might experience survivor’s guilt and other mental health issues on top of their own injuries from the accident.

Nationally, there were 35,200 deaths from car accidents in 2014—deaths that, for the most part, could have been prevented.

Salt Lake City Car Accident Statistics and Common Causes of Accidents

The Utah Department of Highway Safety makes it a practice to compile data-driven reports in order to better understand traffic patterns and causes of accidents. That data can explain what the most common causes are, and it can also show what the growing trends are so that action can be taken to stop them.

In 2014, the most common cause of accidents was following too closely. To be exact, 21% of all accidents were caused because people were in a hurry and not allowing a safe distance between themselves and the cars in front of them.

Further, 18% of the accidents were caused by a failure to yield, 15% were caused by speeding, 12% of the accidents were caused when drivers left their lanes, and 11% were attributed to distracted driving.

Causes of Fatal Accidents in Salt Lake City

Not all accidents are fatal, and fatal accidents aren’t always caused by the things we expect. The state takes into consideration what took place inside the car as well as the actual cause of the accident so that things like unrestrained passengers are included in the Salt Lake City car accident statistics on fatalities.

Speed was the leading cause of fatalities from car accidents, with 43% of them being attributed to this action. A further 28% of fatalities were the result of passengers not using seat belts or car seats, and 20% of all fatalities were the result of someone leaving their lane.

Although most people would probably expect that the most fatalities would occur as a result of drugs or alcohol, only 18% of fatal accidents in Salt Lake City involved either.

Seeking Compensation for Car Accidents

The Salt Lake City and Utah car accident statistics speak for themselves. These accidents weren’t caused by an act of God or weather conditions.

They were caused by people who were in a hurry or weren’t doing what they should have been doing. Something as simple as wearing a seat belt could have prevented a death.

Slowing down and following traffic laws would also go a long way toward preventing accidents in the future. What’s worse is that these actions affect other drivers on the road and can lead to injuries and damages that change their lives forever.

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It won’t change the results of the accident, but it can go a long way in helping you and your family members move forward.

Craig Swapp & Associates Car Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been in a car accident, you can’t risk your health and well-being now and in the future by attempting to navigate the process alone. Don’t be another of the unfortunate Salt Lake City car accident statistics.

The car accident attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates are experienced and determined to make sure you receive any compensation you deserve. Contact our office online immediately or call 1-800-404-9000 for a free consultation so we can help.