3 reasons why the U.S. still has such high auto fatality rates

Car accident fatality rates are out of control in the United States. When compared to other high-income countries with technology and infrastructure similar to our own, the U.S. seriously outpaces them.

For instance, one study found that 10.3 people died in car accidents in the United States for every 100,000 people in the population. That’s at the top of the “high” end. Even the next country in the high bracket, New Zealand, saw just 5.6 deaths per 100,000 people. In third place was Canada, with 5.4 deaths per 100,000 people.

That’s very telling. These three counties are all the highest bracket, but those in the No. 2 and No. 3 spots still have about half as many deaths as the United States. Once you get down into the lower end, the difference becomes even more apparent. Sweden, for instance, sees 2.7 deaths per 100,000 people, while Switzerland sees 3.3 deaths per 100,000 people.

Below are the three main reasons that the U.S. rate remains so high, according to the researchers who did the study:

1. Drunk driving: 31 percent of deadly accidents
2. Speeding: 29 percent of deaths in car crashes
3. Lack of seat belts, boosters seats, car seats and similar safety equipment: 9,500 annual deaths

Researchers have said this is unacceptable. All of these risks are very easy for people to avoid, and yet they refuse to do so. The toll is very clear when you look at the number of lives that are lost on America’s roads.

Have you lost a loved one in a car accident or suffered serious injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence? Make sure you know if you have a right to financial compensation.