Each year, millions of accidents occur on the roads of America. Many of these lead to significant damage to property and injury or death to the people involved.
Around 46,000 Americans die of different types of car accidents every year. That is 46,000 lives lost and 46,000 families mourning the sudden death of their loved ones.
You must understand how they happen to reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident. So in this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of car accidents so you can prevent them when you’re driving. Let’s get started!
Distracted Driving
As cell phones have become more prevalent in society, so has the number of car accidents attributed to distracted driving. Inattention to the road, whether it be due to texting, talking on the phone, or even using GPS devices, can lead to dangerous and even deadly consequences. Even a split-second of distraction can cause a car accident.
Pull over to a safe location first if you must do any of these activities while driving. It is vital to always be focused on the road when driving and never to do anything that could take your attention away.
Speeding
Speeding is when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit or drives too fast for conditions. The action makes it more likely that the driver will lose control of the car and makes a crash worse.
This is because when a driver is going too fast, they may not be able to stop in time if something is in their way. Additionally, other drivers’ ability to notice and respond to the actions of the speeding motorist is impaired.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This can include prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs.
And it’s not just alcohol that can impair your ability to drive. Studies have shown that marijuana use can also damage a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Every day, dozens of people are killed in alcohol-related crashes. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. If you’re going to drive, don’t drink. It’s really that simple. Yet, people continue to make the poor choice to drink and drive.
Don’t be one of those people. Not only do you put yourself at risk when you drive drunk, but you also put everyone on the road at risk. Drunk driving is selfish, and it’s time for it to stop.
If you are convicted of DUI, you may face jail time, fines, and loss of your driver’s license. This is one of the cases where hiring a lawyer or availing legal services is vital. But if you don’t know where to go, Central Valley Accident Lawyers is an excellent place to start looking for trustworthy lawyers.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is when a driver is so tired that they can no longer focus on the road. A number of factors can contribute to fatigued driving, including not getting enough sleep, working long hours, and driving at night.
This is because tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as failing to yield the right of way, misjudging distances, and not paying attention to the road. Some signs that a driver may be fatigued are yawning, rubbing their eyes, or veering off the road. If you see a driver exhibiting these signs, giving them a wide berth is best.
If you are driving, it is essential to ensure that you are well-rested and alert. But if you are fatigued while driving, pull over to the side of the road and take a nap. It is better to arrive late to your destination than not at all.
Red Light Jumping
This occurs when a driver runs a red light, often because they are in a hurry or not paying attention. This can lead to a collision with another car, pedestrian, or cyclist.
So be sure to obey all traffic signals and laws. You must pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of other cars around you. If you see a red light, make sure to stop and do not try to speed through it.
Road Rage
Road rage is defined as aggressive or violent behavior exhibited by a vehicle driver. This can include speeding, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and even physical violence.
This is often the result of aggressive driving habits and a lack of patience. It can also be caused by a lack of courtesy and respect for other drivers.
Pull over to take a break if you are feeling angry or aggressive while driving. If another driver behaves in a rage, do your best to avoid them and stay calm. Remember that road rage is a choice, and you can choose to avoid it.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a role in a significant number of accidents each year. Wet weather is a major contributing factor to car accidents. Roads are slick, and visibility is reduced, making it more difficult for drivers to avoid hazards.
Snow and ice can also make driving treacherous. Even if roads have been treated, it is necessary to drive slowly and carefully to avoid an accident. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can cause tire blowouts.
You also cannot underestimate whether high or strong winds be a factor in car accidents. Strong winds can blow dust and debris into the air, making it difficult to see. Wind can also gust unexpectedly, making it difficult to control a vehicle.
Drivers should be cautious of conditions and take extra care when driving in adverse weather. By being aware of the dangers of driving in various weather conditions and taking precautions, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Avoid These Causes of Car Accidents To Make Roads Safer
Car accidents are unfortunately prevalent, but there are many ways to prevent them. The most common causes of car accidents are distracted driving, drunk or fatigued driving, speeding, red light jumping, and road rage. These are human errors that can be corrected with discipline. Weather conditions are easy to navigate if only one is careful.
By being aware of these dangers and taking precautions, we can all help to make the roads a safer place.
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