Do you know what some of the most common causes of car accidents are? Whether you’re driving a truck, bus, motorcycle, car, bike, or even if you’re on foot—you should know these top 5 causes of accidents.
#1 Distracted Driving
Some might find it surprising that the leading cause of car accidents is distracted driving, but think about it… how many times have you done something you shouldn’t have behind the wheel? Have you ever looked for that last receipt from your Christmas shopping, changed the station on the radio, tried to stick your straw in your drink, or even just glanced at your passenger? Distracted driving is not only texting and driving! Anything that distracts you and takes your eyes off the road counts as distracted driving and is terribly dangerous.
Texting and driving is the most common form of distracted driving that contributes to accidents. When you text and drive, you are 23 times more likely to crash. Don’t take the risk, put your phone down, and keep your eyes on the road.
#2 Driving Under the Influence
No surprise here, driving under the influence is coming in at #2. Driving under the influence doesn’t pertain to drunk driving only, it is any kind of influence that impairs your driving such as prescription medication and other drugs. Operating a vehicle is dangerous enough as it is, having your judgment, eyesight, and driving skills impaired puts you and anyone else on the road at risk.
Every day, around 29 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes, and over 10,000 a year. Drink responsibly and call a taxi, and Uber, or a friend to pick you up if you’ve been drinking.
#3 Speed
Speed limits exist for a reason and yet, young and fearless teens with shiny new licenses aren’t the only perpetrators here. People speed for all kinds of reasons: they’re late to work, there’s an emergency, or they are simply in a rush to get to where they’re going.
In 2017, 26% of all traffic fatalities had speeding as a contributing factor to the accident. That’s 26% of accidents that may have been avoided if the drivers had slowed down.
The best thing you can do if you encounter a speeder on the road is to slow down, allow them to pass you, and put distance between your vehicles. The last thing you want is to be close to a speed demon in case of an accident!
#4 Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is the 4th most common cause of car accidents. Although speeding is a form of reckless driving, there’s more to it than that. Reckless driving could be something simple and “harmless”, like making a U-turn or running a red light. However, if you’re making that simple U-turn in a no U-turn zone, other drivers aren’t going to be expecting it which increases the likelihood of an accident.
#5 Weather
Inclement weather is surprisingly low on the list, but it just goes to show that the drivers are just as accountable for accidents as the cars. Still, weather such as rain or snow drastically changes driving conditions on the road. Weather reduces tire traction, reduces visibility, and therefore increases risk.
Rain actually causes more car accidents than snow or ice, with 76% of weather-related crashes occurring on wet pavement and 46% occurring during rainfall. Snow, sleet, and icy pavement only account for 17% of accidents, making rain a much deadlier factor in car accidents.
When it comes to weather, you want to make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape. It takes longer to slow down when the road is wet with rainfall and depending on your tires, it may be difficult to brake altogether when driving on snow. Make sure you know your vehicle and are driving with caution to the elements around you.
Remember that a large portion of car accidents are avoidable. Drive with caution, stay alert to everyone sharing the road with you, obey traffic laws, and know your limitations. Summer is when more accidents occur, believe it or not, so buckle up and stay safe this summer! Check out our blog post for summer safe driving
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, we can help. The Pottenger Law Firm offers free consultations to car accident victims. Find out what your options are first and what you may be entitled to. Call 816-531-6006 or contact us here.
