Older Vehicles Linked to Higher Crash Fatalities
Older Vehicles Linked to Higher Crash Fatalities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that vehicle age is linked to the crash fatality rates. According to the report, 27% of occupants in vehicles that were 0-3 years old were killed in crashes, while 37% of those riding in vehicles that were 8-11 years old suffered fatal injuries in crashes. In vehicles 18 years or older, 50% of occupants were fatally injured in crashes.

The data shows a significantly higher number of fatal injuries for occupants of older model year vehicles. The older the vehicle, the higher risk of death in the event of a crash. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle, particularly if you are buying one for a young driver. It will be less expensive to buy an older model vehicle, but the crash data reveals it is also a lot riskier.

Seat Belts Save Lives

One factor that remains crucial regardless of the age of the vehicle is seat belt safety. Failing to wear a seat belt takes away most of the safety benefits of a newer vehicle. According to the NHTSA, a driver wearing a seat belt in a 19-year-old car has a 46% chance of suffering a fatal injury in a crash, compared with just a 26% chance for a driver in a new car. But if those same drivers are unrestrained, the odds of a fatal injury are 78% for the driver of the 19-year-old car, and 72% for the driver of the new car. Thus, wearing a seat belt drastically decreases the likelihood of a fatality in a crash.

“This data on vehicle age is important to consider if you are buying a vehicle. The safety features of newer vehicles are worth the cost when you consider the life-saving implications,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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