Car accidents happen often and seem to be on the rise. It’s important to know why they happen so you can help drive down the road from car accidents. Here are seven of the most common causes that can be prevented easily with some quick steps.
1. Distraction
One of the most common causes of car accidents is a distraction. Drivers can become distracted by anything from talking on the phone to changing the radio station.
To prevent accidents from happening in the first place, drivers should try to keep their attention on the road at all times. This means avoiding distractions, whether they are visual or auditory distractions. Keep your eyes focused on the traffic ahead and behind you, and avoid adjusting your seat or steering wheel while driving.
If you do become distracted while driving, compact your belongings so that they don’t take up much space and don’t create a visual obstruction. Take a break every now and then to focus on the road, and remember that hands-free calling is safer when driving.
2. Speed
Another common cause of car accidents is speed. When drivers go too fast, they create more obstacles on the road and increase the chances of a collision.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers should never drive more than 50 mph in a 30 mph zone or more than 75 mph in a 65 mph zone. This means that you should avoid driving above the speed limit whenever possible. If you must drive faster than the limit, be sure to use caution and take regular breaks.
Remember, adults who drive need to learn the rules of the road and the consequences of their actions. They must become more aware of the hazards they face on a road and adjust their driving tactics to avoid accidents.
If you end up being in an accident, you can always reach out to a lawyer to ensure that you have your rights met. Depending on where you are, you can find one. For example, you can find a car accident lawyer in Bergen County if that is the area where the accident occurs. However, adults should always act in ways that will put them at less risk for dangerous behavior like speeding or losing control of their cars.
3. Excessive Alcohol And/Or Drug Use
One of the most destructive causes of car accidents is excessive alcohol or drug use. When you are driving, any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to drive safely. This is because they interfere with your ability to stay focused and aware of your surroundings.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of alcohol or drug use so that you can make responsible decisions about whether or not to drive. These signs include: drowsiness, impaired judgment, slowed reflexes, blurred vision, and trouble understanding directions. If you see any of these signs, it is important to avoid driving and call a cab or get someone to pick you up.
It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. If you get pulled over by the police and your blood alcohol content is greater than 0.08, you are likely to get arrested for driving under the influence.
Alcohol slows your brain and impairs your driving skills. While it may be possible to drive even after drinking small amounts of alcohol, it is dangerous to drive with an alcohol level higher than these legal limits.
4. Using Your Phone While Driving
Texting or using a phone while driving has become a common cause of accidents. This is because it is difficult to focus on the road when you are talking on the phone or texting.
Other drivers can also see your hands and arms moving, which can lead to confusion and accident. If you are ever caught texting or using a phone while driving, you may face penalties including fines and jail time.
5. Tailgating
When one car follows too closely behind another, it is called tailgating. This can lead to a dangerous crash. This is because the car behind cannot react quickly enough to avoid the other car, and the two cars can often come into contact.
Tailgating can lead to serious car accidents because the car you hit can then hit the car in front of them, and that car can hit the car in front of them leading to a domino effect of car accidents.
To avoid this type of accident, always drive at a safe distance from the car in front of you. This will allow you to react quickly if needed, and will also protect you from being tailgated by other drivers.
6. Weather Conditions
When the weather is cold or wet, drivers are more likely to lose control of their cars. This is because the roads are wet and icy, which makes it difficult for the cars to handle. When the roads are icy and wet, people everywhere should take extra precautions to help avoid such events.
Before having an accident in an icy area, know that there are certain actions that you need to take. Begin by slowing down your speed as much as possible from your normal speed and then gradually increase your speed soon after.
Improving traction helps you maintain control of your car rather than sliding out onto the road surface. It also helps control how quickly you go right before stopping.
For snowy or icy weather conditions, you can purchase winter tires. The majority of cars as well as trucks and SUVs can work with winter tires. Doing so will help you avoid accidents on icy roads.
It can also be beneficial to pour sodium chloride on the icy roads of your neighborhood. Salt has a strong property of melting ice and it can be used to help melt roads. With either these measures or another, you can greatly increase your safety when driving on icy roads.
7. Aggressive Driving
One common cause of car accidents is aggressive driving. When drivers get upset or angry, they may drive too fast, ignore traffic signals, or tailgate other cars. This type of behavior can lead to accidents.
Tesla cars are especially prone to being in accidents because their drivers are often conservative with the autopilot system. Tesla drivers are often instructed not to use the system if they feel uncomfortable about the environment. This can lead to accidents when drivers rely on autopilot instead of taking control themselves.
Drivers should be aware of their surroundings and always use caution when driving. By following these simple safety tips, car accidents can be avoided altogether.
After reading this article, you should now be more aware of some common causes of car accidents that can be prevented. By being proactive and doing your research, you can drastically reduce the chances of getting involved in a car accident.