If you think you won’t be in a car accident, they are probably more common than you realize. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,734,000 crashes in 2018 alone.
No one is ever expecting to be in an accident, but it can change your life forever when one occurs. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of one happening to you is to learn the common causes of car accidents so that you can avoid them.
Without further adieu, read on for the most common car accident causes.
1. Distracted Driving
It doesn’t sound too scary, but distracted driving is actually one of the biggest reasons for car accidents. There are too many distractions on the road and in the car, and it only takes a second of inattention to swerve or miss a traffic signal.
Distractions can include external factors like billboards, animals, and anything else on the side of the road.
They can also include factors in the car like texting while driving, reaching in the back seat, and talking to other passengers.
Believe it or not, even using navigational systems like Google Maps can cause distracted driving if you have to look at your phone for too long.
2. Driving While Intoxicated
One of the more well-known causes of accidents is driving while intoxicated. This includes drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
These substances significantly reduce an individual’s ability to make decisions, react quickly, and see straight.
About 29 people die every day in the United States from drunk driving in particular.
3. Speeding
Another one of the top common causes is driving over the speed limit. Speeding is particularly dangerous because it’s so easy to do.
It’s not uncommon for someone to start speeding only 5 miles over the limit and gradually work their way up to 10, then 15, 20, and so on.
People speed on purpose to get places faster and on accident when they get used to pushing the gas pedal at high speeds.
Speeding increases your chances of running into another car, drifting on wet streets, and running stoplights and signs. It also makes the crash much worse by increasing the force of impact.
4. Driving While Tired
People tend to be less familiar with driving while tired being a problem, but it’s still one of the most common reasons for car accidents. All too often, people drive late at night or early in the morning without enough sleep and fall asleep at the wheel.
Tips for avoiding car accidents related to drowsiness include getting enough sleep, planning, taking a nap, and avoiding driving too late at night.
5. Road Rage
Everyone gets irritated when someone cuts them off in traffic or drives below the speed limit, but road rage is never the answer. Intense emotions, like anger, reduce cognitive functioning and awareness, leading to accidents.
They also encourage unsafe driving behaviors like tailgating.
If you’re in an accident that’s not your fault, be sure to contact an accident lawyer right away.
Avoid These Common Car Accident Causes
People use their cars every day to go to work, run errands, and go on trips. As a result, they get overly comfortable driving in vehicles and can develop bad habits that result in these common car accident causes.
To ensure you stay safe, be sure to get a handle on any road rage, get enough sleep, go the speed limit, pay attention to the road at all times, and never drive intoxicated.
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