In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported an increase in total traffic fatalities in the state of West Virginia. In 2016, there were 269 fatalities, up from 268 in 2015. In 2017, there was a total of 303 of traffic fatalities. West Virginia saw nearly a 12.64% increase in traffic fatalities over the course of one year, from 2016 to 2017.
When looking at the most populated county, Kanawha County has nearly 200,000 residents yet is only responsible for a small fraction of accidents. Using the data provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, our West Virginia Crash Fatality Dashboard helps visualize the data in the most populous county.
Looking at the data, there was a +47.6% increase in car accidents in Kanawha County from 2015. In 2016, Kanawha County saw 21 fatalities from 20 crashes. Majority of accidents involved passenger vehicles, light trucks, and pedestrians. Only a small percentage of accidents involved motorcycles and bicycles.
Narrowing our data to specifically the capitol of West Virginia, Charleston, obvious trends start to appear. In total, there were 8 fatalities from 8 crashes in 2016, up 12.5% from 2015.
Males had the highest fatality rate (88%), while the female fatality rate was significantly lower (13%), with majority of crash fatalities involving people over the age of 25. Of the 8 fatal accidents that occurred in Charleston alone, 50% involved alcohol. 
There are three major interstate highways, several U.S. highways, and state routes that travel through Charleston, WV. Of these, our data found Interstate 77 and U.S.-60 to be the top two deadliest roadways.
By providing this visual data, our West Virginia car accident lawyers want to continue to make West Virginia’s roadways safer for everyone. If you or a loved one was a victim of negligence in a car accident in West Virginia, the lawyers at the Manchin Injury Law Group can help. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with our top-rated team.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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