Side Impact Car Wrecks – How Deadly Are They

I recently ran across a few publications from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) and found some pretty amazing statistical analysis of car crashes. As an Oklahoma car wreck lawyer I found the information very compelling in light of what I see in my day to day practice. Over the next few weeks I’m going to discuss 4 categories of crashes in which the NHTSA has deemed some of the most common crash types. The NHTSA has broken down crashes into rear impacts, angle or side impacts and side swipes among other areas.

We will start today in discussing the statistics associated with an angle or side impact. This type of collision is often referred to as a “T-Bone collision” or “broadside collision.” Essentially it’s where a side of a vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle.

According to the NHTSA, these are the most deadly crashes in the United States. In 2005 these types crashes accounted for 28.9% of all U.S. crashes. While this ranked behind other types of crashes it number it was very deadly. In fact, the statistics show that over 8119 T-bone/broadside collisions resulted in death. This accounted for 20.7% of U.S. fatal crashes.

These numbers are astounding but how can we equate this to daily driving. Coming from the mind of an obsessive compulsive car wreck lawyer I can assure you that I try to approach each and every intersection with care. I tell my teenage daughter, my wife and all family members that green does not mean go it simply means you have the right to proceed through the intersection. So when you are at the intersections and have the right-of-way, take care to make sure that oncoming traffic from your right and/or left have come to a complete stop. Do not assume that they will see the light or stop sign. As we have frequently discussed on this blog, electronic devices such as cell phones and GPS are providing more and more distractions for drivers. So take care, take your time and remember that you are your best protection against unsafe drivers.