Oregon and Washington are two states that have very similar geographical positions and climates. Both are known for their picturesque landscapes, including mountains, forests, and both have coastal areas. In addition, both states have major metropolitan areas, such as Portland in Oregon and Seattle in Washington, which experience heavy traffic volumes.
With both states being so similar in terms of geography and landscape, it’s easy to get under the impression that car accident statistics would be fairly similar as well. However, as we have examined in this article, there are notable differences in fatality rates between Oregon and Washington. Intrigued? If so, read on to find out more.
Rural Vs. Urban Car Accidents in Washington and Oregon
Despite the striking similarities in the landscape of Washington and Oregon, the percentage of car crashes that occur in rural areas isn’t the same. Regrettably, Oregon finds itself at a disadvantage in this regard, as an overwhelming 57% of the deaths that occurred in 2021 were the direct consequence of accidents transpiring on countryside roads.
On the other hand, when it comes to driving through the countryside, Washington tends to be generally safer. However, navigating the bustling urban areas presents a greater risk of being involved in an accident, considering that over 60% of all reported accidents transpire in these areas.
Alcohol Involvement: Washington Vs. Oregon
The second most prevalent cause of fatalities on the roads, in addition to road design, is alcohol consumption. A recent report by IIHS-HLDI reveals that in 2021, a staggering 85% of all reported accidents in Washington involved alcohol.
Similarly, in Oregon, although the percentage is slightly lower, it is still a cause for concern, with alcohol involvement accounting for approximately 70% of recorded deaths. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing the issue of impaired driving in both states.
Interestingly, in both states, the percentage of total drivers killed with BAC over 0.08 is 33%.
Fatality Rates Due to Seat Belt Use
Negligence of safety rules is another common reason for collisions. It’s worth noting that both states have taken measures to minimize the risk of vehicle crashes on the roads. However, given the statistics, it’s obvious that more needs to be done. For example, in Washington, a concerning 50% of recorded injuries are caused by driving unrestrained.
In Oregon, the situation is somewhat different. Unlike Washington, where safety gear neglect is more common, drivers in Oregon are more conscious about using safety belts, child seats, and other gear. Sadly, this doesn’t help them avoid accidents at all. According to the same resource, 47% of occupants were restrained at the time of a collision, and only 32% were not.
Washington Vs. Oregon Crash Type Statistics
Some of the most common types of accidents, not only in Washington and Oregon but throughout the country, are rear-impact crashes that can involve both trucks and cars. This happens for a number of reasons, such as distraction, tailgating, acceleration, and panic braking.
Other statistics show that single-vehicle crashes have a higher fatality rate, with over 54% of deaths reported in Oregon and 53% in Washington. The remaining 48% and 47% are multiple-vehicle collisions, respectively.
Crashes by Vehicle Type
Comparing the number of accidents by vehicle type in Washington and Oregon provides interesting insights. Overall, the statistics reveal relatively similar patterns between the two states.
While there are slight variations, the differences are not substantial. For instance, in Washington, approximately 37% of accidents involve cars, whereas, in Oregon, the figure stands at 33%. Although the percentage is lower in Oregon, the variance is not dramatic.
The same goes for SUV-related collisions. In 2021, the police of Oregon reported 29% of crash deaths involving SUV and pickup occupants, while in Washington the percentage was 22% during the same period of time. Again, despite a slightly slower proportion of accidents in Washington, the difference isn’t that huge.
That said, it’s worth noting that the roads in Washington seem to be more dangerous for pedestrians. When compared to Oregon where the percentage of pedestrians killed in vehicle crashes is 15%, Washington experiences a higher percentage of fatalities, reaching 21%.
Other Statistics
According to a report by the Seattle Times, 2021 was one of the deadliest years for Washington in 15 years. However, the situation worsened in 2022, with the total number of fatal accidents reaching a staggering 682, compared to 596 in 2021. This distressing increase underscores the critical need for comprehensive measures to combat the growing road safety crisis.
On the other hand, Oregon seems to take the situation on the roads under control. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the last 16 years have witnessed significant progress in terms of road safety. Regardless, given their combined death toll of 14, which is almost twice as high as Washington, it’s still pretty hard to call Oregon the safest state for driving.
Among 78,544 total crashes that occur in Washington yearly, 10,944 accidents account for teen drivers. What’s more, the death rate among this age group is three times higher than among drivers aged 20 and older.
In Oregon, the statistics are a bit better. Whether it’s because teens are less likely to try their luck on the roads or they tend to be more careful, we don’t know for sure, but according to the AAA finds, between 2010 to 2019, only 72 people died in teen-involved crashes in Oregon.
The most unfavorable time of day for driving, when people are killed in vehicle crashes, is from dawn to dusk. It’s during this time that 74% of accidents occur in Oregon.
Final Words
To sum things up, it is clear from the traffic accident statistics in Washington and Oregon that both states could benefit from some improvement in overall road safety.
In Oregon, the most dangerous roads run through the countryside, where there are many twists, blind corners, and unexpected turns, while in Washington, the main problem is with highways. Also, it looks like the safety rules are more neglected in Washington, with a bigger number of drivers getting under the wheel unrestrained and after drinking alcohol.
Through a combination of infrastructure improvements, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts, state authorities of both states can alleviate the devastating impact of fatal accidents and achieve remarkable success in improving road safety. The good news is, they’ve already started working toward creating safer roads for everyone.