Driver error is a factor in approximately 94% of all car crashes in the United States. This statistic is supported by multiple studies and is cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which states that 94% of serious crashes result from human error
. Driver errors include a range of mistakes such as:
- Recognition errors (inattention, distractions, inadequate surveillance), accounting for about 41% of crashes caused by driver error
- Decision errors (speeding, misjudgments, illegal maneuvers), about 33%
- Performance errors (overcompensation, poor directional control), about 11%
- Non-performance errors (sleepiness, fatigue), about 7%
While this 94% figure is widely referenced, it is important to note that it represents the last critical reason in the crash causal chain assigned to the driver, not necessarily exclusive fault
. Nonetheless, driver error remains the leading cause of car accidents, highlighting the significant impact of human behavior on road safety
. In summary, driver error contributes to roughly 94% of all car crashes, making it the predominant factor in vehicle collisions.
