Every year, almost 39,000 people die in car accidents across the United States. That means one person dies in a car crash about every fifteen minutes. With terrifying statistics like that, you may start to wonder what your odds are of dying in a car crash.

The good news is that your odds of losing your life in a car accident may be lower than you think. Read on to learn more about the statistics and how you can reduce your risk.

How Many People Die in Car Crashes in Missouri?

Every year, between 900 and 1,000 people die in car crashes in Missouri. In 2022, 964 people lost their lives in car crashes; the previous year saw over 1,000 fatalities. This means that, on average, about three people will die in a car crash every day in Missouri.

Most fatal accidents in Missouri happen during the summer months, when people are traveling for vacations. It may also surprise you to learn that the number-one contributing factor in fatal crashes is improper lane usage or changes. Failing to yield, driving too fast, and alcohol are also top contributing factors.

Overall Chances of Dying in a Car Crash

Now that we know a little more about how many people die in car crashes in Missouri, let’s talk about your overall chances of dying in a car accident. According to the National Safety Council, your odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident in the United States are 1 in 93

For comparison, your chances of dying of heart disease in the United States are 1 in 6, and your odds of dying of cancer are 1 in 7. COVID-19 takes third place, with odds of death from this being 1 in 10, followed by accidental opioid overdose at 1 in 58. Your chances of dying of gun violence are 1 in 89.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some things we view as incredibly deadly may be much less dangerous than driving a car. Your chances of dying in a plane crash, by being struck by lightning, or on a train are too small to reasonably calculate.

How Does Missouri Rank in Car Accident Fatalities?

You might be relieved to learn that Missouri is not the most dangerous state when it comes to car crashes. In fact, one study estimates your chances of dying in a car crash in Missouri specifically are 1 in 7,984. This makes Missouri only the 19th-most dangerous state for car crashes.

Montana is the most dangerous state for car crashes, with your probability of dying in a car crash sitting at 1 in 4,433. Mississippi follows, with chances of death coming in at 1 in 4,880. Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York are the safest states in terms of fatal car accidents.

Factors That Increase Your Risk of Dying in a Car Accident

The good news is that you may be able to control some of the factors that put you at a higher risk of dying in a car crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about a third of all fatal accidents involve alcohol. Never get behind the wheel if you think you might be drunk or even buzzed.

Another third of fatal accidents involve speeding, according to the NHTSA. It’s best to always drive the speed limit, and you should slow down when you’re driving at night, in the rain, or in other poor visibility conditions.

Wearing a seat belt can increase your chances of surviving a car accident, as can maintaining your vehicle in good working order.

Get the Representation You Deserve

Although hundreds of people die in car accidents in Missouri every year, your odds of dying in a crash are actually relatively low. Overall, you’re much more likely to die of heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, or gun violence. Missouri is also the 19th-safest state in terms of car crashes, further reducing your risk of death in these accidents.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis car accident lawyers today to discuss your case.


Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis, MO

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

St. Louis, MO Law Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444

Ladue, MO Law Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124

Columbia, MO Law Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201

Creve Coeur, MO Law Office 
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141