Primary Causes of Car Accidents in Minnesota
Car accidents usually don’t just happen out of nowhere. Most of the time, they are caused by a driver’s reckless or negligent actions or choices.
In Minnesota, some common reasons why car crashes occur include:
Speeding
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Minnesota. In fact, speeding has been a factor in over 15% of all Minnesota crashes since 2020. When drivers go too fast, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic, they have less time to react to sudden problems. Speeding also increases the force of a crash, leading to more severe injuries.
Impaired Driving
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Every year, impaired driving causes tragic accidents in Minnesota, taking lives and causing serious injuries.
In Minnesota, over 100,000 people admitted to drinking and driving at least once in a 30-day period in 2020. In 2021, alcohol-related crashes led to 2,228 injuries and 74 deaths. Most DWI offenders were men, with half between the ages of 20 and 34.
Distracted Driving
Texting, talking, eating, or even just changing the radio can take a driver’s eyes and mind off the road, even for a few seconds. Those few seconds can lead to a crash. In 2023, distracted driving was a factor in 2,165 injuries and 26 deaths in Minnesota.
Our state’s “Hands-Free” law makes it illegal for drivers to read or send text messages, emails, or use the internet on a handheld device while driving, stopped in traffic, or even waiting at a red light or stop sign.
Drowsy Driving
Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue slows your reaction time, impairs your judgment, and in extreme cases, can cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel.
An analysis of crash data from 1999 to 2008 found that an estimated 16.5% of fatal crashes, 13.1% of crashes involving hospitalization, and 7% of all crashes where a passenger vehicle was towed involved a drowsy driver.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 37% of drivers claimed to have fallen asleep or nodded off while driving at some point in their lives.
Failing to Yield
This often happens at intersections or when drivers are merging. Not giving other drivers the right-of-way can cause head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, or sideswipes.
Bad Weather Conditions
Minnesota winters are famous for snow and ice, which make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Even summer rain can make roads slick. While the weather is a factor, drivers are still responsible for driving safely in the conditions.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, speeding, running red lights, and weaving through traffic, has become more common and more dangerous in Minnesota since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Department of Public Safety, crash numbers surged by about 10% through 2023, with a record 488 traffic deaths in 2021.
One AAA study found 59% of Gen Z drivers say they’re more impatient than a year ago, and 54% of all drivers admit to regularly speeding.
Feeling like the roads are more hectic in Minnesota? You’re not alone. Between distracted drivers, DUI incidents, and rising aggression behind the wheel, driving in Minnesota can feel more stressful than ever. And while defensive driving helps, you can’t always control what others do on the road.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by someone else’s reckless behavior, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Support from a trusted Minnesota car accident attorney is just a call away at 612-339-9121.
