No matter how cautious a driver is, car crashes can and do occur. Whether it’s caused by distracted driving, bad habits, or speeding, there are over six million car accidents in the United States every year. When you get behind the steering wheel, you must be in full control of the vehicle and have both eyes on the road ahead.
Here are the top five main causes of car accidents and ways to prevent them from happening.
Distracted driving. Photo by Tobi from PexelsDistracted Driving
Distracted driving is regarded as one of the most common causes of car accidents. Because of technology, many motorists own a smartphone, with some using their device while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to drive past a motorist on the highway and see that they’re scrolling through their phone, rather than paying attention to the road. Anyone who needs to use their smartphone while on a road trip should pull over to a safe place, instead of taking their eyes off the road.
Speeding
Many motorists are guilty of speeding. Whether in a rush for work or heading to an emergency scene, common sense may go out the window, resulting in pushing down on the pedal. Regardless of how safe the driver, you will instantly be putting yourself, passengers, and other drivers at risk. There are legal limits in place for a reason. So, to avoid a speeding ticket and being involved in a collision, being aware of the speed and staying within the guidelines is key.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving is a sure-fire path to a collision. Even if you have only had one drink, the effects of alcohol in the system can transform the way drivers think and operate their vehicle. Taking drugs will also significantly reduce your ability to drive, putting themselves and other road users at risk. To avoid being in a car accident, everyone should refrain from drinking or taking drugs.
Fatigue
Whether you’re heading to the grocery store, seeing a friend, or going on a long-haul road trip, you must be in the right frame of mind before setting off. Fatigue can kick in and slow down your reaction time, which puts road users and pedestrians at risk. Tiredness can kill, so if you are struggling to keep your eyes open behind the wheel, make sure that you take a break. Even if you’re nearly at your destination, you can’t put a price on life.
Reckless Driving
While speeding is known as the most common form of reckless driving, making illegal U-turns, driving between lanes, and braking abruptly can cause a car crash. Anyone who is full of stress, may take out their anger and frustration when driving. Instead, drivers must remain calm and keep stress levels at bay regardless of the pressures they are facing.
Many people don’t know what steps to take after car accidents. The first thing to do is to write down the names, registration numbers and circumstances of the accident. Next, decide who to report the accident to, and then consider seeking a reputable car accident lawyer who can work on their behalf.
To minimize the risk of being involved in a car accident, understanding the common causes and staying in full control of the wheel is critical for being a safe and cautious driver.
