New CDC Vital Signs: Costs of Car Crash Injuries

More than 2.5 million people in the U.S.—nearly 7,000 each day—went to the emergency department because of motor vehicle crash injuries in 2012, according to a new CDC Vital Signs report. Not only do these injuries occur frequently, they are extremely costly to individuals, employers, the healthcare system, and society.

• Crash injuries in 2012 totaled $18 billion in lifetime medical costs.
• Lifetime work lost because of 2012 crash injuries cost an estimated $33 billion.
• Every year, Americans spend more than 1 million days in the hospital due to crash injuries—missing work, school, and time with family and friends.
• State officials can consider using proven interventions that increase the use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts; reduce drinking and driving; and improve teen driver safety.

Everyone can prevent motor vehicle crashes and related injuries. Use seat belts on every trip, no matter how short. Make sure passengers buckle up too. Buckle children in the back seat in age- and size- appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. If you drink alcohol or use drugs, choose not to drive and help others to do the same. Learn more about all of these tips at www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety.

Contact Information

Spokespersons

Ileana Arias, PhD

Biography

“In 2012, nearly 7,000 people went to the emergency department every day due to crash injuries. Motor vehicle crash injuries occur all too frequently and have health and economic costs for individuals, the health care system, and society. We need to do more to keep people safe and reduce crash injuries and medical costs."

Ileana Arias, PhD - Principal Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Gwen Bergen, PhD, MPH, MS

Biography

“Motor vehicle crashes and related injuries are preventable. Although much has been done to help keep people safe on the road, no state has fully implemented all the interventions proven to increase the use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts; reduce drinking and driving; and improve teen driver safety."

Gwen Bergen, PhD, MPH, MS - Behavioral Scientist, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control