The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported on June 15, 2022, various statistics about the number of car crashes that involved driver-assistance technologies.
Nearly 400 crashes in the United States in 10 months involved cars using advanced driver-assistance technologies, the federal government’s top auto-safety regulator disclosed Wednesday. Five of those crashes occurred in Massachusetts.
If you are injured in a car accident involving driver-assistance technologies, contact Percy Law Group, PC. You might have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Automakers Must Report Crashes
The released report is part of an effort by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine the safety of advanced driving systems. NHTSA’s standing general order requires manufacturers to report to the agency any crashes that involve automated driving systems or SAE Level 2 driver assistance. SAE refers to the Society of Automotive Engineers, which classifies six levels of driving automation.
Tesla Reports Most Accidents
The first reporting period covered the 10 months between July 1, 2021, and May 15, 2022. In 392 incidents, six people died and five were seriously injured.
The three manufacturers with the most crashes are as follows:
- Tesla: 272
- Honda: 90
- Subaru: 10
Tesla had the most crashes, but it also has the most driver-assistance vehicles on the roads. About 830,000 Tesla cars in the United States are equipped with Autopilot or the company’s other driver-assistance technologies.
Ford Motor, General Motors, BMW, and others have similar advanced systems, but they have sold fewer models.
Most Crashes Are Collisions with Other Vehicles
Most crashes (116) involved a collision with another vehicle. Crashing into a fixed object came in second with 78 crashes. Five Tesla crashes were fatal.
Many manufacturers have included various driver-assistance features that let you take your hands off the steering wheel under certain conditions and help you parallel park. An advanced driver-assistance system can steer, brake, and accelerate vehicles on its own, though drivers must stay alert and ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.
Safety experts are concerned that when the technology malfunctions or cannot handle a particular situation, drivers may be unprepared to take control quickly.
Automated vehicles were involved in 130 incidents, resulting in one serious injury and 15 minor or moderate injuries. The crashes were generally minor because they were at low speeds and in city driving. Automated vehicles are in development but are tested on public roads.
Massachusetts Has Fewest Fatal Crashes
When looking at all fatal motor vehicle crashes, Massachusetts holds the top stop for the least number of crashes per capita. According to 2020 statistics, the state had 4.9 motor vehicle fatalities per 100,000 population. For context, Mississippi has the most with 25.4 deaths per 100,000.
Massachusetts also had the fewest deaths when reviewing miles driven. The death rate is 0.63 per 100 million miles. South Carolina has the highest death rate of 1.97 per 100 million miles.
Seeking Compensation for Car Accidents Caused by Others
Despite Massachusetts having fewer deaths than other states, the fatality rate is on the rise. The state’s Department of Transportation reported that 415 people died in 2021 – a significant jump from 343 the year before. In 2019, we had more than 2,750 serious injuries.
Some accidents are simply unavoidable, while others could have been prevented. Another person’s negligence or recklessness is to blame. If you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you might have the standing to file a personal injury claim.
A settlement or jury award can potentially cover the following:
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings
- Hospital Stays
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
Those who lost a loved one might have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Discover if you have a personal injury case. Schedule a free consultation with us. Reach out online or call (508) 206-9900.