Car accidents are an increasingly common occurrence in the USA, with some experts indicating that over 6 million car accidents take place every year, resulting in the death of almost 40,000 people annually. While this is alarming to many people, there are some precautions drivers can take to avoid becoming another statistic. One of the best ways drivers can protect themselves is through awareness, which is why we have gathered together a list of the most common causes of car accidents in America. Knowing what to be aware of should help arm drivers with the knowledge of how to avoid these common mistakes, missteps, and malfunctions.
Distracted Driving
It may surprise you to learn that the list of leading causes of car accidents is no longer driving under the influence. Thanks in part to technology offering people more distractions than ever before, the most common cause of car accidents overall is now distracted driving. This could include talking on a cell phone or messaging or texting while driving but is not limited to these activities. Eating or drinking behind the wheel, searching for fallen items while driving, and rubbernecking at accident scenes can be just as dangerous.
Mental and emotional distractions can also adversely affect a driver’s reaction times, which is how most distracted driving accidents take place. This could include driving when in emotional distress as well as arguments with passengers in the vehicle. Avoid distractions while you are driving so you have the time to analyze and react to any scenario taking place on the road ahead of you.
Speeding
After distracted driving, the second leading cause of car accidents is speeding. In fact, speeding and distracted driving have a lot in common, as both result in a driver having a limited timeframe to react to a danger on the road. In the case of speeding, the higher the speed of the vehicle, the longer it takes to respond to hazards and the longer the stopping time should the driver need to come to an abrupt halt. Not only does speeding increase the likelihood of an accident taking place, but it also has a major impact on the severity of crashes when they occur. You’ve no doubt heard it before, but we will say it again, speeding kills.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving is a major issue across the USA which, according to the CDC, results in a death every 45 minutes. Just like distracted driving, alcohol inhibits a person’s ability to react to situations and dangers on the road, making drivers more prone to causing accidents. Drivers are considered to be driving drunk if their blood alcohol content (or BAC) is 0.8 or higher. Unfortunately, it can be hard to gauge how much any one person should need to drink to reach this limit, as age, weight, gender, and even a person’s genetics can influence this reading. It is better to be safe and avoid driving if you have had any alcohol.
Inexperienced Or New Drivers
Fast reaction times and the ability to make smart decisions on the road are what separate average drivers from good drivers, and there is no better teacher than time. That is why inexperienced drivers, mainly comprised of teenagers, but also first-time driver license holders of all ages, result in a high number of car accidents a year. If you are a new driver, it is more important than ever to avoid distractions while you are driving, be familiar with your vehicle so you can trust your instincts in times of stress and keep a close eye on your speed so that you have the best chance of avoiding causing or being part of an accident.
Lawlessness on the Road
Obeying the rules not only keeps you and your vehicle safe but also ensures the safety of other drivers. This includes stopping at all red traffic lights and stop signs. Every year, an estimated 1,000 deaths are caused by drivers running red lights, with another 90,000 cases of personal injury being lodged annually due to red light accidents. Saving a bit of time waiting at a traffic stop is never worth risking being involved in a side-impact collision, so always obey the law and stop on red. As a precaution, always look both ways before going through an intersection even when the light is green to avoid becoming a victim of someone else’s lawlessness.
Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
While not mentioned often, drowsy driving or driver fatigue, especially after sunset, is a common cause of accidents on the road. Fatigue can cause a driver’s senses and reaction times to be dulled, making it more difficult for them to react to hazards on the road and even to follow the directions of road signs. If you are having trouble staying awake, pull over into a safe area for a rest rather than continue your journey.
Unsafe Driving Conditions Due to the Weather
We have spoken a lot about accidents caused by people, but we can’t ignore Mother Nature’s impact on road casualties. Fog, rain, snow, and icy roads are all dangers that are often unavoidable for most drivers, and they are responsible for a good number of accidents each year. Learning how to drive safely in these kinds of conditions is important if you live in an area that is frequently affected by inclement weather, so consider taking an advanced driving course so you know how to react should you find yourself driving in dangerous weather conditions.
Tire Blowouts
Ending off our list of common causes of car accidents is mechanical failure. Tire blowouts are a common occurrence, especially on roads that are badly maintained and have potholes and other defects in them. Blowouts are considered one of the deadliest accidents on the road as they can result in a loss of control of the vehicle, which often leads to multiple-vehicle collisions and rollovers. The good news is that blowouts are preventable with proper maintenance and regularly checking your tires and tire pressure. These are just some of the common causes of accidents on the road. Fortunately, many of these accidents are avoidable if drivers obey the law, always practice safe driving, and stay vigilant on the road. If you are in a car accident, be sure you are covered for any eventuality by contacting a reputable legal specialist to help you deal with the aftermath with peace of mind. Call us today at 877-559-3513.
