A report by CCC Intelligent Solutions says that car accidents on US roadways are reaching pre-pandemic levels, but are often more severe than they were before. One trend contributing to these findings are that bigger and more powerful vehicles are being driven on our roads. The more you are aware of this trend, the likelier you are to be able to avoid a severe car accident with bigger, heavier, and more powerful vehicles on our roads.
Bigger, Heavier, and More Powerful Vehicles Are on American Roads More Since the Pandemic
According to the report, Americans are now driving more miles than pre-pandemic levels. Trucks, in particular, are covering more miles, with both freight and commercial light trucks contributing significantly to the increase. The report predicts that the growth of e-commerce will continue to propel the expansion of the commercial trucking industry, resulting in more miles driven by these vehicles.
Consumer preferences are also contributing to the increase of trucks on our roads. According to the report, light trucks accounted for over 80% of new vehicle sales in 2022. That is a significant increase from just under 50% in 2013.
The report highlights findings from the US Environmental Protection Agency that those trucks and sports-utility vehicles (SUVs) are also becoming heavier. On average, SUVs weigh 7% more in 2021 and they did in 1990, while the weight of the average light truck increased by 32% during the same period.
The report emphasizes that crashes involving heavy vehicles result in more severe property damage and more severe injuries, especially when the heavy vehicle collides with a lighter, passenger vehicle. Additionally, the complexity of modern vehicles, compared to previous generations of automobiles, is also a contributing factor to the severity of claims.
It probably isn’t surprising to learn that all vehicles on American roads have more horsepower than their counterparts in the 1970’s, but the actual increase is significant. For example, the horsepower in the average vehicle has increased by 85% between 1975 and 2021. The horsepower of the average pick-up truck, however, has increased by nearly 140%. Of new vehicles being produced in 2022, more than half have more than 300 horsepower, and 20% of new vehicles reach 400 horsepower.
Of course, it’s not just the size and power of vehicles that are contributing to the rise in serious car crashes. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and other factors also play a role in the rise of car accidents after the pandemic. However, the Phoenix car accident attorneys at The Dr. Lawyer Law Group are especially aware of the risks posed by larger and more powerful vehicles. Unfortunately, the consequences of this trend will be more serious car accidents, including more severe damage to vehicles, and more severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident in Phoenix, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. At The Dr. Lawyer Law Group, we have successfully represented many clients who have been injured in car accidents and truck accidents. We work tirelessly to help our clients get the medical treatment and the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case strategy session.