Cost of motor vehicle accidents in U.S. per year: $871 billion
Economic costs alone are nearly $900 for each person living in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a new study that underscores the high economic toll and societal impact of motor vehicle crashes in the United States. The price tag for crashes comes at a heavy burden for Americans at $871 billion in economic loss and societal harm. This includes $277 billion in economic costs – nearly $900 for each person living in the United States based on calendar year 2010 data — and $594 billion in harm from the loss of life and the pain and decreased quality of life due to injuries.
"While the economic and societal costs of crashes are staggering, today's report clearly demonstrates that investments in safety are worth every penny used to reduce the frequency and severity of these tragic events," said U.S. Secretary Anthony Foxx.