What percent of crashes are caused by driver error?

• A. 70%
• B. 80%
• C. 90%
• D. 95%

Answer: (C)

Driver behavior is the main factor in crashes. In safety research, human factors are responsible for the vast majority of crashes, with about nine in ten crashes attributed to some form of driver error. This includes distraction (like texting or other inattention), speeding, following too closely, fatigue, impairment, or poor judgment. Even when other factors such as weather or mechanical issues are present, driver decisions or lapses typically play the key role that turns a risky situation into a crash. That’s why the 90% figure best fits the common understanding and is the correct choice. The lower percentages tend to understate how often driver behavior is involved, and a figure as high as 95% overshoots the typical estimate.