Going straight is the deadliest driving maneuver in the U.S. Negotiating a curve and turning left are the second and third most common driving maneuvers before a deadly crash. This is according to a new study by personal injury lawyers from Zinda Law Group. The research focuses on driving maneuvers that lead to fatal crashes involving one or two cars. It evaluated incidents that occurred between 2017 and 2021, as registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to data from the study, 62% of fatal accidents in the U.S. happen after a driver continues straight ahead without trying to change direction. This might not always coincide with the alignment of the road.

Going straight crashes would include single vehicle crashes where a vehicle leaves the roadway and hits a tree or other immovable object, or perhaps crosses into an oncoming lane, resulting in a head-on collision. These crashes are often at high speeds resulting in fatalities.

Every fifth deadly crash (20.63%) in the U.S. occurs after trying to negotiate a curve on a road that bends to the left or right, the second deadliest driving maneuver. In third place, according to the study, is making a left turn, with the national average being seven percent of fatal crashes. A spokesperson for Zinda Law Group commented on the findings: “The fact that the vast majority of fatal crashes in the U.S. happen because drivers simply go straight highlights the importance of not panicking behind the wheel. It can also be lifesaving to be especially aware of carefully negotiating curves in mountainous areas.”

Although the percentages of fatal crashes for the five most common maneuvers varies with each state, New York falls close to the national average. The Zinda Law Group study shows 60 percent of fatal crashes in NY State result from going straight, 19% from negotiating a curve, 9% from making a left turn, and 2% each for changing lanes and/or passing or overtaking another vehicle.

This study is only about fatal crashes. The percentages stated do not necessarily correspond with total crashes. For example, the percentage of backing crashes is likely more than 10% of all crashes, but rarely results in a fatality.

Traffic safety experts have said for decades that “speed kills,” and going straight is associated with speed. Thus, it is no surprise that going straight is the deadliest maneuver.