What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents are common occurrences on U.S. roads, with the CDC stating that they’re a leading cause of death. Driving safely requires focus, sharp reflexes, and road awareness, but negligent drivers and road hazards can make driving risky. From distracted driving to speeding, driving under the influence to hazardous road conditions, here are the most common causes of car accidents. By understanding these causes, this can help you become a more defensive driver. 

Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the U.S. Any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or focus away from driving is considered distracted driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, looking at GPS, or any other kind of activity that distracts you from driving. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that texting while driving is especially dangerous, and people are 23 times more likely to get in an accident while doing so.

Speeding

Speed limits exist for a reason; they represent the highest speed considered safe for a road under normal conditions. When you exceed the speed limit, you drastically reduce the time you have to react to sudden changes. If a child chases a ball into the street or a car suddenly pulls out of a driveway, excessive speed makes a collision almost inevitable. Speeding reduces the time a driver has to react, the distance needed to stop, and increases the severity and chance of a crash happening. Speed is a factor in about a third of all traffic fatalities annually.

Driving Under the Influence

Despite public service announcements and campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving, about 34 people die every day in the U.S. because of drunk driving accidents. Alcohol severely impairs judgment and decision-making, slows reaction time, diminishes coordination, and affects vision. It also lowers inhibitions, so people are more likely to engage in risky behaviors they would otherwise avoid. Learn more about Tennessee DUI laws in this blog post.

Both legal and illegal drugs can significantly impair driving. Prescription medications, especially those that cause drowsiness or dizziness can severely impact a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Always read the warning labels on your medication before getting behind the wheel.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving like aggressive lane changes, tailgating, running red lights, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic laws is an intentional disregard for road safety and increases the risk of a collision. When drivers act carelessly or take unnecessary risks, they reduce their ability to react to road hazards and other cars which puts themselves and others on the road in serious danger. Reckless driving not only increases the chance of a crash, but also can result in severe injuries, and legal liability for the at-fault driver.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigue affects driving much like alcohol does, slowing reaction times and impairing decision-making. People often underestimate the effects of drowsiness. Studies show that after being awake for “17 consecutive hours, impairment is estimated to be equivalent to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 and after 24 hours awake, impairment is estimated to be equivalent to a BAC of .10.”

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, and fog, all create hazardous driving conditions. Many drivers fail to adjust their driving habits to match road conditions, which often causes multi-car pile-ups or fatal accidents. Rainy conditions cause roads to be slick, reducing tire traction, and standing water can cause hydroplaning, a dangerous and scary situation where tires slide on water and the driver may struggle to control their car. Black ice, a nearly invisible layer of ice on the road, can spin a car out of control in an instant. Fog severely limits visibility, making it difficult to gauge the speed and distance of the cars ahead. When driving in dangerous conditions, reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights at all times..

Vehicle Defects & Failure

Mechanical failure like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, faulty steering, and broken lights contributes to thousands of crashes each year. Tire-related crashes specifically, account for thousands of motor vehicle crashes each year. Many of these mechanical issues are preventable by having your vehicle maintenanced regularly. Tire pressure checks, brake inspections, and staying current on manufacturer recalls are easy things to stay on top of that can help prevent serious accidents.

How to Prevent Car Accidents

Here are driving tips to help keep you safe on the road.

• Put your phone away so you’re not tempted to use it. If you need to use GPS, make sure it’s properly mounted, and set your destination before you start driving.
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you don’t feel like you have to speed and potentially cause a collision.
• Never drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare app if you plan to drink.
• Adapt your driving to weather conditions. Drive slower and give yourself ample room between your car and the one in front of you to avoid sliding into the vehicle if you have to break suddenly. Using cruise control on wet, icy, or snowy roads is dangerous because it can cause your vehicle to hydroplane, spin, or lose traction if the system maintains speed or accelerates during a skid.
• Keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Check your tire pressure regularly and look for signs that your tires need to be rotated or replaced.
• Stay alert and drive defensively because this will help you better anticipate dangers on the road.

Should I Get a Lawyer For a Car Accident​?

Hiring an experienced car accident attorney at Wettermark Keith will be important to make sure your rights are protected, all deadlines are met, negotiating with insurance companies so you receive the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Montgomery, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Panama City, but also represent clients nationwide. We work on a contingency basis, and only get paid if you win. Contact us at (877) 455-4518 or fill out our online form to schedule a no-obligation free case consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.