Trust And Experience Matter

Why Car Crashes Are Worse Than They Used To Be

On Behalf of | Apr 4, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

When crashes happen on today’s roadways, they are more severe than they’ve been in the past. This is due to a confluence of factors, such as the weight of vehicles and the power behind them. It’s something to watch out for when you’re driving in Massachusetts.

Distractions at high speeds

It’s not just the vehicles to blame but also the drivers adding to this problem. Crashes have grown worse as people tend to drive faster and there are more distractions for them to deal with. This combination leaves them with little to no time to react and hit the brakes or try to avoid the collision.

On top of these factors, the average age of people who drive has increased, affecting how often crashes happen and how severe they are. And although older drivers statistically don’t get into as many car crashes, they often have to deal with a more complicated treatment process due to pre-existing conditions.

One of the signs that crashes are more severe is the percentage of cars that weren’t drivable after the collision. This rate has shown a significant increase from 2019 to 2022.

Unfamiliar roads, miles driven and newer cars

The issue of more severe car crashes is exacerbated when drivers have to get used to new traffic patterns. There may be congested roadways as well as shifts in traffic flow.

Another contributor to this trend is the fact that the number of miles people are driving has gone up. This is particularly true in trucks, including freight and commercial light trucks. And thanks to the rise in e-commerce, this trend will likely continue to grow and add to more severe crashes.

Newer cars tend to have more complex parts, which also adds to crashes’ severity. And when car parts fail, it’s harder to replace them due to supply chain disruptions. These parts are costly when available, and a population that’s getting older has led to a labor shortage. This makes it all the harder to get cars in optimal condition, which drives up the severity of crashes.