Top Reason of Car Crashes and How to Avoid Them

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, car accidents happen every 13 minutes in the US. No wonder a regular driver in the country is likely to crash their car at least 3 to 4 times in their lifetime.

Despite significant efforts and awareness to curb them, more than 38,000 people die each year due to car crashes. While the statistics may be scary, most people fall prey to such accidents because of a handful of reasons only. According to Michael J. Gopin, a renowned Texas car accident lawyer, serious traffic collisions lead to overwhelming expenses and devastating injuries as well. This is why it’s important to learn the reasons of car accidents so that they can be better avoided.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of vehicle crashes is distracted driving. An estimated 9 people die every day in the US alone from texting while driving, using a GPS device, and even talking on the phone. Distracted driving may even occur from things that seem minor to a driver, such as driving with the music on, or even talking to backseat passengers. Such type of driving can lead to scary accidents such as head-on collisions or even crashes with objects or pedestrians. 

To avoid such incidents, following some prevention tips is key. For instance, set your phone to the “do not disturb” setting when driving. This will help you stay focused on the road. Also, be careful of your surroundings for speedy cars, drunk drivers, and other things that don’t seem right. Stay focused on the road at all times. 

Drunk Driving

Another leading cause of car accidents is drunk driving. Of all traffic crash casualties in the US, an estimated 32% involve drunk drivers. Even though its unlawful to engage in intoxicated driving in the US, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a sad reality of the country. As little as a drink can impair a driver’s vision and lead them to drive irresponsibly. 

If you or someone you know is facing legal issues related to intoxicated driving, seeking the assistance of a DUI attorney can be crucial in navigating the legal complexities involved.

Fortunately, drunk driving can be avoided. One of the many ways is to educate people about making better decisions. When going out for drinking, appoint a designated driver who is going to stay sober so everyone else can enjoy their time while not risking other lives on the road. You can also install a voluntary ignition lock device, which is basically a breathalyzer tied into your vehicle’s ignition system. The said vehicle will not start if it detects alcohol in the user’s system. 

Speeding

Driving over the speed limit is another major problem seen on the roads in the US. An estimated 12,000 deaths in the US were speed-related as of 2021, the last year for which full-statistics are available. According to an NHTSA study, 86% of fatal accidents didn’t happen on interstate highways. This means speeding is just as dangerous on city streets and even your neighborhood. 

To avoid car accidents due to speeding, obey posted speed limits at all times and adjust your speed according the traffic and road situation. Keep your vehicle maintained and avoid aggressive driving behaviors. Practicing these habits will ensure there are lesser accidents on the road. 

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Reckless or aggressive driving can be defined as driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people and property. Anything from excessive speeding and tailgating to aggressive lane changes and even ignoring traffic signals accounts for such behaviors, significantly increasing one’s chances of getting involved in a car accident. 

To avoid such driving behavior, it is important to stay calm on the road. Following traffic rules at all times further helps avoid reckless driving behavior. Always maintain a safe following distance and be courteous to other drivers on the road. 

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs 

There are approximately 2.5 million intersection accidents in the US annually, notes the Federal Highway Administration. The major cause of such accidents is running a red light or a stop sign, often leading to high-speed collisions. Anything from impatience, distraction, and even a deliberate disregard for traffic laws can lead drivers to ignore stopping rules.

Avoiding car accidents at intersections doesn’t have to be hard. All you have to do is always approach intersections with caution, obey traffic rules, completely stop at the stop signs. Drivers must also pay extra attention to their surroundings at all times. This will help them anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road. 

Car accidents are a sad reality in the US. Many accidents stem from preventable behaviors such as distracted driving, drunk and reckless driving, speeding, and even running red lights over. By committing to safe driving practices, we can mitigate our chances of being in one.

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