Did you 2.38 million people were injured in motor vehicle accidents across the U.S. in 2022?
While that was down 4.6% from 2.5 million the year prior, the fact that millions of people were injured in car collisions is a problem.
If you’re injured as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian in a motor vehicle collision, hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best decision you can make. You’ll need to see a doctor to get checked out, potentially undergo intensive physiotherapy, and take time off work to heal up.
But all that costs money, which can be difficult if you can’t go to work. A car accident attorney can advise you of your options, give you advice, and help you file a personal injury claim.
Depending on the source, there are around 6 million car accidents on U.S. roads and highways every year. Not all of them cause personal injuries, but many of them do. These injuries can throw your routine out of wack.
Even so, the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is a reality, so here are three of the biggest causes of accidents, so you can do your best to reduce the odds of any vehicular mayhem.
1. Distracted Driving
Many people overestimate their multitasking skills–thinking they can do a bunch of things simultaneously and do them well. While some may somehow be able to manage that feat, most are only fooling themselves.
When driving, you need to focus on that specific responsibility. You can’t afford to juggle driving, eating, and texting simultaneously. Failing to concentrate on the road could land you in serious trouble.
One source notes that distraction played a role in 12% of injury collisions, 11% of police-reported car crashes, and 8% of fatal accidents in 2022.
It’s essential to avoid distracted driving. Failing to do so will increase your risk of car accidents.
2. Speeding
Another thing to avoid if you want to reduce the chances of accidents is speeding. If your foot lives on the accelerator pedal, your reaction time will go down. It’ll be much harder to evade issues and stay out of trouble when traveling at a high rate of speed.
Remember that the posted speed limits are there for a reason. Keep in mind, too, that the posted speed limits are for when the road and weather conditions are ideal. If the road and weather conditions aren’t in the best shape, you’ll want to drive even slower.
The National Safety Council reports that 29% of all traffic deaths in 2022–12,151 in total or an average of 33 people daily–involved speeding. You’ll want to slow things down on the road. If you have an appointment, leave earlier to account for possible issues like traffic or lane closures. It’s never a good idea to drive faster than you should.
3. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is sure to get you into trouble. Speeding, tailgating, passing on the right, cutting off other motorists, brake checking, and weaving in and out of driving are signs of aggressive driving.
According to one source, 54% of all fatal car accidents involve aggressive driving. Driving aggressively will make the roads unsafe for you and others on the road. Pedestrians will be at a greater risk, too. Remember that driving legally isn’t a right. It’s a privilege, and it can be taken away.
These are some of the main causes of accidents. The good news is you can easily avoid making these types of mistakes. Rather than becoming another statistic, you should do your part to keep the roads safer for you, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
