What’s the Survival Rate for a Head-On Collision?

Two cars speeding toward each other is a recipe for disaster. These crashes are terrifying. Unfortunately, head-on collisions are some of the deadliest accidents on the road.

What’s the survival rate for a head-on collision? This will depend on numerous factors like speed, safety features, and vehicle type. Let’s look at what data has been found on these car accidents.

What Does the Latest Data Show?

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), frontal impacts accounted for 59% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2022. While that is a staggering statistic, how does it affect the odds of surviving a head-on crash?

As with many things related to vehicle safety, the answer is that it depends on several factors.

Not All Frontal Collisions Are Equal

Survival odds can range from high in low-speed car crashes with modern safety features to extremely low in high-speed, direct collisions. Speed, seatbelt use, vehicle type, safety technology, and even what kind of road the crash happens on all play a role in whether a driver walks away or not.

Speed Is a Factor

Speed is one of the most decisive variables in any crash. When two vehicles collide head-on at 30 miles per hour each, the force is similar to hitting a brick wall at 60 mph.

At lower speeds, survival is much more likely. This is often the case if both drivers are buckled up and the vehicles are equipped with airbags and crash-absorbing design features. In these scenarios, injuries may still occur, but are less likely to be fatal.

When speeds climb past 60 mph, the risk escalates. At highway speeds, head-on collisions often result in fatal or life-altering injuries, even in newer vehicles. The human body can only withstand so much force, and even the best safety features have their limits.

Vehicle Type and Size Matter

In a head-on collision, mass matters. Heavier vehicles can fare better than smaller sedans or compact cars. This happens because they offer more structural bulk to absorb the impact.

In cases where a large vehicle collides with a smaller one, the smaller vehicle’s occupants are at a greater disadvantage. This is one reason why head-on crashes involving mismatched vehicle types often have various types of injuries.

Some occupants may walk away, while others could suffer fatal injuries.

Emergency Response and Medical Care

Even after the crash, what happens next can affect survival. A person who receives immediate emergency medical care has a better chance of surviving a serious injury. Factors like the availability of first responders and the time of day can all affect how quickly help arrives.

Unfortunately, that is why those in rural areas are at a disadvantage. In these areas, there are high-speed roads and longer emergency response times. In turn, these regions have higher fatality rates from head-on crashes.

What Are the Odds?

With so many variables involved, it can be hard to give an exact number. Here are some points from above:

• Low-speed collisions have a higher survival rate, especially with seat belts and airbags
• Moderate-speed collisions’ survival rates depend heavily on vehicle design, safety features, and restraint use
• High-speed collisions have lower survival rates, especially in older or smaller vehicles

While these are sobering statistics, most people involved in head-on crashes do survive.

If You Have Been Injured, Who Is Liable?

In most cases, the driver responsible for the crash is held liable, whether for speeding, distracted driving, or even driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For example, if a driver drifts into the opposite lane because they aren’t paying attention, they could be held accountable for the damage and injuries caused.

If a driver’s negligence leads to a head-on crash, they will be liable for covering the costs of repairs, medical bills, or even wrongful death claims.

For those who have been affected by a head-on collision or any other type of crash, contact the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp. We are here to discuss your legal options.