The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recorded 122,434 Virginia motor vehicle accidents in 2022. In that same year, there were 1,005 fatalities and 59,404 injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents.
There are different types of car crashes, all of which can lead to injuries or fatalities. Car accidents are common all across the United States. However, some types of car accidents are more deadly than others.
Accident involving one car and a fixed object
The National Safety Council reports that accidents involving one car and a fixed object account for more than 26% of traffic fatalities. This type of accident is when a vehicle crashes into an object, such as a wall, stop sign or building.
Single car accident
A single car accident doesn’t always involve hitting a fixed object. Some of these crashes occur when a driver swerves to avoid hitting something in the road. For example, an animal might step out into the path of the oncoming car. A driver can also swerve to avoid hitting another car or debris tossed in the road. Driving while sleepy or drunk is also a cause of single car accidents.
Hit from behind
A rear-end collision is a common type of car accident. It’s when one car hits another car from behind. The most common cause of this type of accident is following too closely behind another car. If the car in front stops suddenly, the car in back might not have enough time to stop.
Speeding is also a common cause for a rear-end collision. It’s not always a matter of the car in front stopping suddenly. If the car in back is speeding, it can crash into the car in front, even if that car stopped normally.
Head-on collision
A head-on collision involves two vehicles crashing into each other from the front. If both cars are going at a high speed, this type of accident can turn deadly. The impact of two cars crashing into each other can cause damage or even death. Most modern cars have front airbags that protect a person’s head and chest from taking the full force of the impact.
Some car accidents are more harmful than others. But even a seemingly simple car accident can cause physical and emotional damage. Driving safely and being aware of other drivers can help prevent car accidents.