Did you know that there are common causes of car accidents? Many of these causes are preventable. If you’re aware of the most common causes of car accidents, you can take steps to avoid them. Here are the eight most common causes of car accidents and how you can prevent them:
1. Distracted driving
Distracted driving is by far the number one cause of car accidents. It is responsible for more than three thousand fatalities each year.
Distracted driving can include anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even checking your GPS. If you want to stay safe while driving, it is essential to avoid any distractions and focus on the road.
2. Driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol
Intoxicated driving is another major cause of car accidents. More than one thousand people are killed in drunk driving accidents, and countless others are injured every year.
If you drink alcohol, it is essential to plan to get home safely. You can either call a taxi or friend or designate a driver who will not drink any alcohol. While some states might have decriminalized marijuana use, it’s wise to treat this as if you’re driving drunk. It’s better to get your bearings first or let someone you know drive you home.
It is also essential to be aware of the signs of drunk driving. When you’re weaving in and out of traffic or driving too slowly, it might be best to pull over. If you see any of these signs in other drivers, reporting the driver to the police is essential. Suppose you sustained injuries from a car accident due to a negligent driver. In that case, you should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. That way, you have someone who will represent you in court and has your best interests.
3. Speeding
Speeding can be dangerous because you can lose control of the vehicle. It can also cause drivers to run red lights and stop signs and drive through intersections without looking. If you want to stay safe while driving, it is important to obey the speed limit and use caution when driving in busy areas.
4. Cell phone use
Many people might not think that cell phone use is hazardous, but studies have shown that it can be as bad as drunk driving. Using your cell phone while driving can cause you to take your eyes off the road, and in some cases, it can even lead to an accident.
Because of this, if you want to stay safe while driving, it is essential to avoid using your cell phone while behind the wheel. If you can, turn on your phone’s Airplane Mode or at least set it to silent while you’re driving.
5. Running a red light or Stop sign
Running a red light or Stop sign is another common cause of car accidents. This type of accident often happens when drivers are speeding or not paying attention.
If you want to avoid a car accident, it is also essential to drive safely and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
6. Failure to yield right-of-way, improper lane changes
Another common cause of vehicular accidents is the failure to yield the right-of-way. This can happen when drivers do not stop at stop signs or red lights or change lanes without looking.
If you want to stay safe while driving, it is essential to obey all traffic laws and to use caution when changing lanes.
7. Weather conditions
Bad weather can make roads extremely slippery and dangerous for drivers to navigate. In addition, poor visibility due to rain or fog can lead to accidents. This can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to severe accidents.
If you are driving in the rain, it is essential to slow down and use caution when braking. You should also avoid driving in high-traffic areas with a greater risk of accidents or driving at high speeds.
If you want to stay safe on the roads when there is ice outside or other hazardous conditions, you should slow down and allow yourself extra reaction time. Make sure to pull over and rest if you are tired while driving.
There are many potential causes of car accidents, but some are more common than others. By being aware of the seven most common causes, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.
