New data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on drivers involved in fatal collisions between 2012 and 2021 revealed the most common traffic violations in deadly crashes over the past decade. The most common violation was reckless or careless driving, with 23,663 drivers charged with offenses in this category between 2012 and 2021, out of a total of 507,728 drivers involved in deadly crashes. That equates to 4.66% of all drivers involved in fatal collisions.
The second most common charge was license and registration violations. Over the 10-year period, 3.92% of drivers involved in fatal crashes received this charge. The third most common violation was impairment offenses, such as driving while intoxicated. In total 3.92% of drivers in deadly collisions received this charge. The fourth most common violation involved turning, yielding and signaling: 6,698 drivers were charged with the offense after being involved in a fatal collision.
The data also revealed that 2021 was the worst year ever for deadly accidents, with more than 60,000 drivers involved. The previous record was 55,000 drivers.
Source: High Rise Financial
