In 2023, roughly 25,890 car accidents occurred every single day, with an estimated 13,100,000 car accidents occurring in 2023 according to the National Safety Counsel (NSC). A car accident is a traumatic event that no one should have to endure, unfortunately they are a part of our day to day life, and the one of the leading causes of both injury and death worldwide.
With car accidents being such a prevailing cause of injury and death across the world you may be wondering what you can do to avoid them. If you are a driver, it is important to know what the five most common causes of car accidents are, and what steps you can do to avoid them. Luckily LifeLaw has you covered. In this article our Utah personal injury attorneys will be detailing the five most common causes of accidents, and how you can avoid them, ensuring that you and your loved ones can stay safe while on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has quickly topped the list as the number one cause for traffic accidents across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people in 2023 and is responsible for more than 300,000 injuries. What exactly qualifies as distracted driving.
Distracted driving is exactly what it sounds like, it is any act that takes your attention off of the road, or distracts you. This means it can be anything from texting and talking on the phone, to adjusting your radio, eating, or even interacting with other passengers. What can you do to avoid distracted driving?
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
The best way to avoid getting into a distracted driving accident is to simply put all of your focus on driving. Now that can be easier said than done, especially in the age of smartphones now that we are all constantly connected. This is why it is so important to try your best to keep your focus on the road at all times.
If you are planning on driving consider taking steps ahead of time to limit your chances of distracted driving. Think about turning your phone off before driving or alternatively silencing it and putting it into a place that is not reachable while driving. Try your best to adjust your radio, set your GPS, or eat before you start driving, as this can help keep your focus on the road ahead of you. If you absolutely have to send a text or take a phone call then consider using hands free features if your car has them, or have a passenger send or respond to messages.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit is unfortunately extremely common, especially here in Utah. For example, if you are traveling on the I-15 the majority of drivers travel at speeds of 5-15 miles per hour over the speed limit. Speeding is one of the most dangerous and deadly causes of car accidents, in fact, it was a factor of 29% of all fatal traffic accidents in 2023 according to the NSC.
Speeding can greatly impact a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. It can reduce a driver’s ability to steer their vehicle, make it more difficult to avoid objects in the road, and extend the distance necessary to stop a vehicle. These factors can all become even worse when a driver chooses to speed in unsafe weather conditions like rain or snow. With these factors in mind, how can you avoid a speeding related accident?
How to Avoid Speeding
Speeding is typically a result of impatience or needing to get to your destination sooner than what your ETA may suggest. Here in the United States many of us are trying to get to our next destination as quickly as possible which leads the majority of drivers to speed, but this can be extremely dangerous.
To avoid getting into a speeding related car accident try your best to adhere to the speed limit, as well as adjusting your speed according to weather or road conditions (rain, snow, gravel roads, etc). A speed limit has been designed and tested to be the safest possible speed to travel on that road, so try your best to adhere to them. If you find yourself consistently speeding to work, or an appointment, consider taking extra time to leave early to ensure that you do not have to put yourself into a dangerous position by speeding.
Drunk Driving
Everyday, 34 people die as a result of a drunk driving related accident, according to the NHTSA. Alcohol should never be consumed if you are planning on being behind the wheel of a car. Alcohol can affect your body immensely and can impair your thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, which are all critical when it comes to operating your vehicle safely. Drunk driving is extremely dangerous, illegal, and should be avoided at all costs.
How to Avoid a Drunk Driving Accident
The solution is very simple, never, under any circumstances, drink and drive. AIf you are planning to consume alcohol, plan ahead and figure out how you will get home without driving. If you are going out with friends, assign someone as a designated driver, or take a taxi or a rideshare service to your destination.
Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous, so try to stay vigilant and watch for any signs that a driver may be driving drunk. If a driver is exhibiting signs of drunk driving such as swerving in and out of their lane, slowing down or accelerating at random, or driving outside of the road, make sure to follow behind them at a safe distance and consider calling the police and reporting a drunk driver. This report could potentially save a life.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to any sort of driving that could potentially be dangerous to you or others on the road. Reckless driving behaviors include changing lanes too quickly, cutting off other drivers, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals. A blatant disregard of the rules of the road can be extremely dangerous, and can turn driving your car into manning a 4,000 pound wrecking ball. These reckless behaviors could lead to accidents that could have been completely avoided.
How to Avoid a Reckless Driving Accident
When you are behind the wheel try to remind yourself of the dangers that come with driving a car. Reckless driving accidents can almost always be avoided by driving carefully instead of carelessly. Remember to always utilize your turn signals, respect traffic signals and signs, and respect other drivers by maintaining a safe following distance.
Weather Conditions
Traveling in poor weather conditions can be dangerous, and according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), 12% of motor vehicle crashes are weather related. Driving in poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can severely impact your ability to drive safely. Bad weather can impair your visibility behind the wheel and reduce tire traction which can lead to a car accident.
How to Avoid a Weather Related Car Accident
If you are planning on driving try your best to get into the habit of checking the weather forecast before you leave. If possible try to avoid driving in extreme weather conditions such as a serious rain storm, a blizzard, or foggy day.
If you do have to travel in bad weather remember to reduce your speed and leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. These precautions will give you extra time to stop your car, or react to any changes in the road ahead of time.
What if You Get Into an Accident?
Employing all of the strategies to avoid getting into a car accident can help to make you feel safer behind the wheel and should help to decrease your chances of getting into a car accident. Accidents can still happen, and they may not be your fault! If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident getting the help you deserve is vital, and that is where LifeLaw is here to help.
The best personal injury lawyers in Utah at LifeLaw Personal Injury are here to help you. Our team of Utah personal injury lawyers are experts in their field and have settled millions of dollars for our clients. Here at LifeLaw our firm believes in constant client communication, making sure that you feel seen and heard throughout your case and to help you know we are there for you every step of the way. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call us today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps!