Five Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Every year, over 1.35 million individuals die in car accidents. Globally, that equates to around 3,700 deaths every day on average. Also, 20-50 million people are harmed or incapacitated.
Driver errors or conditions are major causes of car accidents. But you can prevent over 80% of these incidents by driving safely. Car transportation has its risks, so you need to do everything to protect yourself, your passengers, and other vehicles on the road.
In today’s world, a car accident could have a whole range of causes due to the increased complexity of modern life. Focus on defensive driving practices to reduce your chances of being in a crash.
These are the five most common causes of car collisions that you must know about!
1. One of the Major Causes of Car Accidents Is Drunk Driving
It is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. It is irresponsible and dangerous to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
If you are going to drink, do not drive. There are other options, like calling a cab or a friend that can help you get home safely. Do not put yourself or others at risk by driving drunk.
2. Distracted Driving
All distractions can potentially harm the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Common distractions include talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and daydreaming.
Even though you may feel like you can multitask, research has shown that the human brain is not good at doing two tasks at the same time. When you take your focus off the road even for a second, you put yourself and others at risk.
3. Reckless Driving
Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, and other unsafe driving behaviors put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. In addition to the inherent dangers of these behaviors, drivers who engage in them are more likely to be involved in an accident.
Being a reckless driver has its consequences for legal actions. If you want to know more about these consequences, you can read more info here on this site!
4. Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, cracks, and other defects can cause severe damage to your vehicle, and can also lead to accidents. If you’re driving on a road that’s in poor condition, be extra careful and take your time. If you can, avoid driving on roads in poor condition altogether.
5. Weather Conditions
Statistics show that weather is a factor in nearly one-third of all car accidents that occur in the United States. The most common weather conditions that contribute to car accidents are snow and ice, followed by rain and fog. These conditions can make roads slippery and visibility poor, both of which can lead to accidents.
Drivers should slow down and allow for more space between themselves and other vehicles. They should also use their headlights to verify they can see and be seen.
Drive Safe and Be Responsible
The most common causes of car accidents are distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Other causes include weather conditions and road hazards.
To prevent car accidents, be a defensive driver and be aware of your surroundings. If you see a driver behaving erratically, give them space and do not engage. Always remember to leave sooner, drive slower, and live longer.
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