A comprehensive study released by the NHTSA found that vehicle crashes cost American society $340 billion in 2019.
The study calculated the total societal cost of car crashes, borne by every American, not just those directly involved in car crashes. The total translates to $1,035 in extra costs incurred by each and every American due to increased medical and automotive insurance premiums for everyone, property damage, lost market productivity, and increased taxes to fund public services like first responders.
“This report drives home just how devastating traffic crashes are for families and the economic burden they place on society,” Ann Carlson, NHTSA’s Acting Administrator, said in a statement.
