Traffic Statistics – Wisconsin Auto Accidents

Traffic Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities

Millions of people are involved in traffic accidents in the United States each year, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these collisions cause $871 billion in economic loss and societal harm. In 2012 alone, more than 2.3 million people were injured in approximately 5.6 million reported traffic collisions across the country. 33,561 people lost their lives in these accidents, many of which are entirely preventable.

Taking a closer look at auto accident statistics can help one gain a clear picture of the true impact these collisions have on individuals and families in the U.S. One can get a better idea of their common causes and can begin to see what can be done to prevent resulting injuries and deaths. As Wisconsin car accident lawyers, we at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. believe in increasing awareness of the serious effects motor vehicle accidents have on people of all ages and in all walks of life. The following statistics have been gathered to help you learn more about these collisions.

The following 2013 traffic accident statistics were reported by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

• A total of 118,254 traffic accidents were reported in Wisconsin in 2013. 491 of these caused one or more fatalities, 28,474 caused injury, and 89,016 caused property damage.
• 527 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in Wisconsin in 2013. This was a decrease from the previous year’s total of 601.
• 39,872 people were injured, a slight increase from the 39,370 injured in 2012.
• There were 185 alcohol-related fatalities, accounting for 35.1% of all traffic fatalities.
• There were 2,660 alcohol-related injuries, accounting for 6.7% of all traffic injuries.
• 18% of all traffic accidents were considered speed-related. These speed-related accidents accounted for 29.6% of all traffic fatalities and 20.2% of all injuries.
• Pedestrians accounted for 6.6% of traffic fatalities and 3.1% of traffic accident injuries.
• Bicyclists accounted for 1.9% of traffic fatalities and 2.2% of traffic accident injuries.
• Large truck accidents, involving vehicles with gross weights of 10,000 pounds or more, accounted for 6% of all traffic accidents, 16.1% of traffic fatalities and 5.4% of traffic injuries.
• More than half of all auto accidents took place on city streets in urban areas (33.4%) or rural state highways (20.1%).
• Of all counties across Wisconsin, Milwaukee County had the highest number of traffic accidents in 2013, with 20,864. Waukesha County came in with the second-highest number of traffic accidents at 7,151.

In looking at the above statistics, we can see that drunk driving and speeding are two of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in Wisconsin. Reflecting nationwide statistics, drunk driving and speeding each account for about one-third of all traffic fatalities. We can also see that accidents involving large trucks, pedestrians and bicyclists have high fatality rates. For example, though large truck collisions accounted for 6% of traffic accidents in Wisconsin in 2013, they were responsible for more than 16% of traffic fatalities that same year.

Involve a Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney

Are you ready to discuss your legal rights in the wake of a car accident? If you were injured or lost a loved one, a Milwaukee car accident attorney at our firm can help you review your options as you pursue financial compensation from the driver or other party responsible for causing the collision. With our legal experience and competence in carrying out accident investigations, we are confident in our ability to accurately determine cause and liability.

Contact Cannon & Dunphy S.C. today.