People often talk about how dangerous driving a car can be. Yet, with South Dakota being the fifth least populous state, you might wonder how dangerous things can get.
What causes most vehicle accidents in South Dakota?
A total of 26,135 drivers were involved in crashes in South Dakota during 2020. 86% of them walked away unharmed. 13% suffered injuries, and 0.5% died. The South Dakota Crash Analysis Tool [SDCAT] allows you to take a detailed look at the reasons behind vehicle accidents. Here are some of the findings for last year:
- The most dangerous time of day was the evening rush hour, with 8% of all crashes occurring between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- The most dangerous days of the week were Thursday and Friday, each with 16% of total crashes.
- The most significant single contributing factor to crashes was hitting a wild animal. It accounted for 24% of all crashes in the state.
- The most significant human factor was failing to yield. It was responsible for 13% of all crashes. Following too close came second at 9% and going too fast for the conditions third at just under 9%.
It can be hard to envision how much a car crash injury could affect your life in the future. Injuries may worsen with age. A cold winter could cause an injured body part to ache much more than in the warmer months.
Many attorneys shy away from going to court over vehicle accidents. However, doing so can significantly increase the amount you receive. If injured in a car crash, it is vital you receive the full amount of compensation you are due.