Driving is a common part of life in this day and age. With so many drivers on the road, there are many risks for these drivers. Sometimes a car accident is just that, an accident through no fault of your own. These are hard to avoid every time, but you need to stay aware of other drivers and practice constant vigilance. Other times, however, you may find yourself at fault. There are so many dangers and causes of car crashes, and today we’ll be going over the top 10 of these causes. Follow along to learn how best to recognize the risks and avoid the danger as much as possible.
Distraction
This has in recent times become a leading cause of car crashes. Every year this number grows as more and more distracted drivers join the road. Some of the distractions that you will find most common are talking or texting on the phone, eating food, fiddling with the radio, reading, and applying makeup or grooming of any other kind. You can also be distracted by other people in the car with you. The biggest of these concerns is absolutely cell phone usage while driving. When you text while driving, your eyes are off the road for approximately 5 seconds each time. When you are traveling at a minimum of 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. While it may seem so important at the time, please remember that your life is more important than responding to a text.
Speed
Speeding is something that everyone does, but no one talks about the risks. When you are driving over the posted speed limit, or even just too fast for the road conditions, you have much less time to react to external factors that pose threats. This makes it much more difficult to avoid a crash, even if you aren’t fully at fault. The high impact from speeding also is likely to lead to more serious injuries. If you do suffer serious injuries in a motor vehicle crash it would be prudent to obtain advice from an experienced solicitor such as personal injury lawyers Perth.
Alcohol/Controlled Substances
Alcohol and controlled substances are possibly the, in this writer’s opinion, dumbest reasons to get into a car accident. When you drive while under the influence, you are a danger not only to yourself but also to others. When under the influence, your mental capabilities are dulled, as are your physical capabilities. You are also far more likely to make bad choices while driving, leading to an even higher risk for everyone. DUIs are responsible for an average of 29 deaths per day, so while they may not be the number one cause of car accidents…it is the deadliest. If you are under any kind of influence, be smart and let someone else drive.
Inexperience
If you have not been driving long, you are far more likely to panic in new or risky situations, or not know that what you are doing poses a risk. Driving is a skill that takes time to master, as well as exposure to new and unexpected conditions. If you are a new driver, stay aware of everything around you and take the time to practice. If you find yourself near a new driver, give them a wide berth and watch your surroundings.
Fatigue
We all get tired on the road, it happens, but did you know that drowsy driving can seriously lower your capabilities? Your reaction times will be slower, your decision-making skills will be compromised, and you may even fall asleep at the wheel and cause an even worse accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that fatigued driving is a factor in around 72,000 crashes and subsequently 44,000 deaths every year. If you find yourself getting tired on the road, do not try to push yourself. Find a safe place to stop and rest, whether that be a motel or a well-lit parking lot.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
Reckless and aggressive driving is a cause for serious concern when driving. Behaviors that fall into this category can include things such as speeding, weaving between other vehicles, ignoring safety measures, cutting other drivers off, and more. These behaviors put so many parties at risk and can cause severe accidents. Do not let yourself be one of those drivers and keep an eye out for that kind of behavior around you on the road and give them a wide berth. An experienced car accident lawyer Perth can be invaluable in guiding a person who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident through the claims process.
Inclement Weather
Rain, snow, and other weather conditions can be a cause for concern while driving. They can cause limited visibility, slippery road surfaces, and other risks. Your tire traction can become impaired, and your reaction time will be slower due to a lack of vision. If the weather gets too bad, the best thing to do is find a place to pull off until it calms down enough to where you can safely continue, and remember to turn on your hazards if that “safe place” is the side of the road.
Tailgating
Driving too close to the car in front of you is a good way to get into an accident. You have so much less time to react if they come to a sudden stop.
Vehicle Defects
While cars do go through rigorous testing, sometimes defects can slip through the cracks and malfunctions can happen. Recalls on vehicles are constantly going out, so be sure to keep an eye out for your specific vehicle.
Running Traffic Signals
This one is a double doozy. Even if you don’t cause an accident by running traffic signals, you can find yourself slapped with a hefty fine by the authorities. About 40% of car accidents occur at intersections, according to statistics. Red really does mean stop, and yellow does not mean speed through to make it across.
There are more causes of car accidents, but these tend to be the 10 most common and are among the most serious. Most of these are also within driver control, which means they are things that can be improved if we all work together. Everyone should remain aware of their surroundings, practice safe driving techniques, and just learn to play well with others. We hope this list helps you to see the risks and learn how to avoid them. Driving is a basic need, and we all need to work together to make the roads safe for all.
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