Road accidents occur every day. In fact, for the year 2020, 5,250,837 car accidents are reported.
It’s critical to know the different causes of car accidents. You have a one-in-four chance of being involved in an automobile accident. That might not seem like a big deal, but a car accident can have serious repercussions.
Continue reading to learn more about the most common causes of car accidents.
Driving While Distracted
Distracted driving is the primary cause of automobile accidents. Top on the list to get worse each year is distracted driving. It is the leading cause of auto accidents in the United States.
Driving while using a portable device or playing loud music are all examples of distracted driving. When driving, exercise caution and focus on the task with all your senses. It’s one of the reasons why our business concentrates on assisting those hurt in auto accidents.
Speeding
The excuse that “everyone speeds” is insufficient to justify pressing the accelerator. Speed limits are in place for a purpose. The purpose of speed restrictions is to give you ample time to stop for hazards and other cars.
You might not be able to stop in time for a red light. Whatever you may think of the ridiculousness of the speed limit, obey it. Drivers who drive faster than the posted speed limit have less time to respond to changes in the road, which can result in collisions.
Driving Under the Influence
DUI or driving under the influence is one of the top causes of road car accidents. If you have taken alcohol, do not drive your vehicle. You might just have a life. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over 0.08% you can be arrested for DUI.
Running Red Lights
It is one of the more obvious causes of automobile accidents. Red always denotes “stop,” and it never will again. There’s a good chance you’ll strike someone whose turn it is to move if you run a red light.
There is no justification for being sidetracked by family or job obligations.
Driving on a Rainy Day
Although driving in the rain cannot always be avoided, it can be done safely. Drive cautiously and pull over to the side of the road if visibility starts to deteriorate until the worst of the storm has passed. If you were late due to terrible weather, your mother or significant other.
The following are the top three things to remember when driving in inclement weather:
- Always slow down
- Proper tire pressure
- Be aware of the changing climate
Tailgating
Driving too close to another car is never an excuse. Save two to three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you; this gives you enough time to stop if the car ahead of you suddenly stops. Hold a safe gap between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
After this collision, you may file a car accident claim to collect the compensation you deserve.
Drowsy Driving
When tired, it is as risky as driving intoxicated. It can impair judgment, reduce response time, distort eyesight, and even cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel. If you find yourself drifting off or unable to concentrate, pull over to the side of the road and relax.
If you’re close to home or a hotel, pull off and rest before continuing on your journey.
Drugs
Other factors besides alcohol and sleepiness might affect your eyesight or judgment. Both legal and illicit substances can dull your senses and make it challenging to operate a vehicle safely. Never use drugs like heroin or use powerful prescription medicines before driving.
Ask your doctor if taking the prescription will affect your judgment.
Snow and Fog
You can’t always avoid driving in the fog, like with rain. Use your fog lights and travel at or below the posted speed limit. Assure you are always in your lane if in the fog.
If there is a lot of snow on the ground, stay away from the wheel completely. Almost always, driving in the snow can be avoided. Many firms enable employees to work from home or take time off during severe weather.
Put your car in a four-wheel drive and go if you must drive in the snow. Put chains on your car if you don’t have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you live in an area prone to snow, equip your vehicle with snow tires.
Animal Crossings
Large animals that jump into the center of the road can hurt the car that hits them behind the lead vehicle. Although it is impossible to predict when an animal will cross the road, you can keep an eye out for them. Use your high beams when driving to watch for luminous eyes, and be extra cautious when you notice animal crossing signs.
Curves
Drivers can be injured on sharp, blind corners. Although driving around curves can be entertaining, especially for those familiar with the area, they result in accidents. Keep your speed under the posted limit.
Tires can all contribute to a car accident when driving on a curve. Weather conditions can also limit traction and make maneuvering difficult. Keep an eye out for other vehicles when driving on curving roads.
Understanding the Most Prevalent Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes may be avoided, and recognizing the most prevalent reasons is essential. We all must examine driving safety advice so that we can be mindful of our activities as well as the behavior of other drivers. We must all do our best to be cautious on the roads.
Take the essential procedures to protect everyone’s safety. Let us all work together to cut the number of causes of car accidents in our community.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!