FATAL CAR CRASH REPORT - From 2007 to 2014, Fatalities were declining before rising

Trends in the data:

- *Nearly 1 in 3 Fatal Car Crashes Caused by Speeding*. Speeding was cited in 28% of fatal car crashes in 2020. However, in the years preceding 2011, that number was as high as 32%. 7.0% of fatal crashes involved hit-and-runs in 2020 - the highest in the period we analyzed.

- *The COVID Effect is stark: *The number of fatal car crashes in 2020 was the highest since 2007. There were 35,766 fatal crashes in 2020 (the latest available data) - a 6.8% jump from 33,487 in 2019. Fatal car crashes rose even with a significant decrease in vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

- *Older drivers were involved in a larger share of fatal car crashes than younger drivers.* Drivers 65 and older were involved in 18.2% of fatal car crashes in 2020, though that's down from 21.2% in 2019. Meanwhile, drivers ages 15 to 20 were involved in 12.3% of fatal car crashes in 2020 - up from 11.5% in 2019. And 18.1% of fatal car crashes in 2020 involved pedestrians - the third-highest rate from 2006.

- *July, August, September and October registered the highest percentage of fatal car crashes* from 2006 through 2020. In the 2006-to-2020 period, fatal car crashes were least common in the winter and the early part of spring. Fatal car crashes were also more likely to occur on weekdays and during daylight hours.

Full report here: https://www.valuepenguin.com/fatal-car-crashes-study

*The Takeaway for American Drivers? Plan For All Contingencies.*

While safe driving should be the goal - tragedies happen says Nick VinZant - insurance expert and lead researcher on this report. He adds, "While it can be scary to think about dying in a car crash, it is important to review your insurance coverage regularly to make sure your family is protected in case the unthinkable happens"

These are the three things that VinZant encourages every American to do:

1. *Check for Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) in your auto insurance policy.* The insurance company of the person at fault will be responsible for paying the 'full value' of the life lost in the crash. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, it may be up to that individual to pay the determined amount - and they may not be able to pay due to monetary constraints. Your insurance company could step in if you have uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

2. *Research and Identify an Experienced Attorney Ahead of Time*. Sometimes, the insurer disputes who is responsible for the crash and can deny your claim. An experienced attorney can take the battle to court to get your insurance company to pay. Drivers should also make sure they have enough liability coverage. That way, they're also protected if it's found that they're responsible for the accident.

3. *Review your Life Insurance coverage: *Fatal car crashes are covered by life insurance if they are "all cause" (meaning it generally covers all deaths, with few exceptions). If your Life Insurance policy does not offer this - look into accidental death and dismemberment [or AD&D] policies which will provide financial protection if you or a loved one is accidentally killed in a fatal car crash.