Car accidents in the United States are responsible for the death of roughly 90 Americans every day. 2 million drivers are injured permanently due to car accidents every year. With stats like these, it’s easy to see just how much a car accident can impact the average American. Car accidents are often caused by factors that can feel like they are out of our control. Accidents can regularly be caused by the misconduct of another driver but there are some common causes of car accidents that you can watch for on the roads. Understanding the factors that can regularly lead to car crashes can make sure that you can be ready to secure your safety and protect others on the roads as well.
In this article we are going to outline a number of the top factors that can lead to car accidents in the United States and what you can watch for as a driver on the roads. By following some of these best practices you can help to prevent accidents and avoid these common causes of car accidents.
Driving While Distracted
Distracted driving is a major problem in the United States today and is the cause of the vast majority of fatalities that were the result of a motor vehicle crash. In 2017, distracted driving was responsible for over 3000 deaths.
Anyone can be distracted at the wheel with how much we use and rely on smartphones. Being distracted behind the wheel doesn’t mean that you are a teenager on a cell phone, distracted driving can be the result of texting while driving, setting up the radio, reading the paper, eating or drinking and more. Driving distracted puts other drivers at risk and if you notice this type of behavior on the road, make sure that you give that distracted driver some space. Avoiding a distracted driver can help to prevent yourself from getting into an accident.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Millions of Americans choose to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs each year and roughly 30 fatalities are caused each day as a result of impaired drivers. Impaired driving accidents cost the United States up to $45 billion per year and it remains a growing issue especially with the legalization of marijuana across the United States. Always opt for taking alternative means of transportation if you plan on drinking or taking drugs. If you happen to notice drivers on the road that are behaving erratically or drifting from side to side as they drive, there’s a good chance that they could be intoxicated. Maintain distance from the vehicle and make sure to report the vehicle to authorities so that you can protect other people on the road.
Excessive Speeding
Driving above the speed limit can be quite a dangerous practice and there are a number of drivers that regularly consider the speed limit to be a guideline rather than an enforceable law. Speed limits are imposed for a reason and it’s much more difficult to slow down the vehicle and avoid a collision if you are not traveling at the speed limit for a route. If you happen to find a vehicle that is speeding well beyond the speed limit, it’s a good idea to hang back and put some distance between you and that vehicle. If you are tempted to speed yourself in an effort to make up some time for an appointment or to save some time in your day, it could be much wiser to simply show up late. Thousands of Americans are involved in fatal crashes as a result of other speeders on the road and speeding themselves. Being a little bit late for an appointment is never an excuse for you to break the law and endanger the lives of others.
Driving Recklessly
Reckless driving carries many definitions and actions on the road. Driving recklessly usually happens as a result of road rage or a specific scenario. Driving recklessly could place you subject to provisions on your license, fines and even jail time. Reckless driving can include a failure to stop for pedestrians, driving in the wrong area, passing illegally, driving through crowded areas or disregarding school zones. If you see other drivers taking part in this behavior, it is best to give them lots of space on the road.
Driving Aggressively
Aggressive behavior on the road can result in accidents. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating or regularly cutting other drivers off is an indication of road rage. If you happen to notice a driver on the roads that is making obscene gestures or showcasing aggressive driving behaviors, contact the authorities.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
There are some errands and appointments that could be worth missing if the weather and road conditions do not cooperate. In some scenarios where there is a lack of visibility or poor weather conditions, it could be best to stay home rather than risk your health and vehicle in inclement weather.
Keep some of these top ideas in mind for how you can prevent car accidents and reduce your risk on the roads. Contact us today if you or someone you know fell prey to one of these common causes!