Common Causes of Car Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 1,700 fatalities annually due to car accidents on highways across the United States. If you are involved in an accident on the road, a car accident attorney can help you through the legal process and aid to retrieving compensation. However, how do we prevent car accidents from happening? With the increasing vehicle congestion on our streets and highways, it’s important to dissect the reason behind accidents, so we can stay safer on the road. The top three causes for car accidents are distracted driving, drunk driving, and weather conditions.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents on the road. Some will place blame on the surge of technology available to us in the car including cell phones, GPS systems, Bluetooth capabilities and much more. We like to call it multitasking, but performing tasks like applying makeup using the rearview mirror or texting and driving can pose a serious risk on the road for the driver as well as the other cars around. In fact, a car accident is 23 times more likely to happen when someone is texting on a cell phone.

How to stay safe? Although we might think that text message, or that missed call, may be important, staying off your phone while on the road can significantly decrease the probability of a car accident. If something vital does happen that requires you to make a call or text, pull off into a parking lot where you can park and make the call. Additionally, being more aware of others you are sharing the road with can keep you safer. If you are next to someone who appears to be doing 1,000 tasks at once, it is probably a safe bet to create space and drive cautiously while around that distracted driver.

Drunk Driving

According to MADD, in 2011, 9,878 people were victims of drunk drivers, and 200 children were killed in drunk driving accidents in 2013. Driving under the influence is a major problem in our society and is one of the top causes for road accidents. Although a person is legally drunk once their BAC level surpasses .08, any amount of alcohol can affect the way a person reacts on the road. Blurred visions, delayed reaction, and inability to focus are just a few side affects of having alcohol in your system. Trying to combat the affects while driving can be a recipe for disaster.

How to stay safe? The golden rule: don’t drink and drive. Since just one drink affects every person very differently, it is best to not operate a vehicle if you have consumed any alcohol. With all of the transportation services provided, like taxis, Uber, or public transportation, you should never feel like you don’t have a ride after an event with alcohol. As stated earlier, also always be cautious with other drivers around you. Although you may not be intoxicated, you are still at risk of being around a drunk driver. Report a suspicious drunk driver immediately and stay a safe distance away from the car.

Weather Conditions

The change of weather patterns or tough weather conditions can greatly increase the chance of a car accident. When precipitation first hits the road, it lifts a layer of oil that covers the road, resulting from various vehicle debris and residue. This causes the roads to become very slippery and dangerous to drivers. Hydroplaning can often occur, which leads to a loss of traction and prevents a car from responding to control inputs. Harsh weather conditions like high wind speeds and hail can further alter a driver’s capabilities to safely operate a car.

How to stay safe? Keeping your car maintained is extremely important for avoiding car accidents in harsh weather conditions. Those check-ups on the car’s tires and brakes can be essential if you come across rain or ice. Additionally, if you aren’t familiar with driving in harsh conditions, it might be best to let a passenger help out. It is better to let someone who is accustomed to driving in a specific weather condition lend assistance than to practice unsafe driving practices.