Car accidents are unfortunately a constant in our day to day lives. Whether it is on the side of the road while you are on your morning commute, or a fender bender in a parking lot. According to the Utah Highway Safety Office there were a total of 61,406 car accidents in 2021, this equates to roughly 168 car accidents a day. With car crashes rising every year it is vital that we learn what are the most common causes of car accidents, as well as what you can do to avoid them.
Distracted Driving
In recent years, the proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices has led to an increasing number of distracted driving accidents every year. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the GPS, or even eating can divert the driver’s attention from the road, this can greatly increase the odds of getting into a car accident. While you are behind the wheel it is vital that all of your focus is on the road to make sure that you and your passengers remain as safe as possible.
Speeding
Did you know according to the National Highway Safety Association that in 2021 speeding killed over 12,000 people, and was a factor in nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities. If you drive at excessive speeds it reduces your ability to react promptly to unexpected situations and extends the stopping distance, as well as increasing the likelihood of accidents. Speed limits are set for a reason, police do not just enforce it to give out speeding tickets, but to save lives. You can help yourself avoid car accidents by maintaining the speed limit as often as you can.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a grave danger to everyone on the road. In 2021 drunk drivers were responsible for 13,384 traffic deaths, that is a 14% increase from the year before. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished coordination, making them a hazard to themselves and others. If you are going out for the night it is important to make a plan and practice responsible behavior, assign a designated if you are going out for the night, or call a taxi or ride share if you are under the influence. Above all make sure that no one you know gets behind the wheel while they are under the influence.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving goes hand in hand with speeding. The faster you go the higher the likelihood of getting seriously injured in a car accident rises dramatically. Reckless driving is one of the largest causes of serious car accidents caused by behaviors such as tailgating other drivers, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights can cause serious car accidents. When you get in a vehicle your top priority should be your safety, not how quickly you can get to your destination. Make sure you drive responsibly and make sure that you are respectful of all other drivers around you.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, pose significant challenges to drivers. Weather conditions can lead to reduced visibility, slippery roads, and hydroplaning accidents can occur during inclement weather. According to the road weather management program, “On average, there are over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year. Approximately 21% of these crashes- nearly 1,235,000- are weather related.” The most important step in staying safe in inclement weather is learning how to drive in poor weather conditions. Reducing speed on wet roads, as well as focusing on how your car is controlling are key to staying safe and avoiding a car accident in bad weather.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is another leading cause of car accidents that is often forgotten about. As humans we tend to neglect our sleep, and driving while feeling tired or drowsy can be just as dangerous as texting while driving. Driving while tired or drowsy can result in a loss of focus at the wheel, delayed reaction time, as well as slower decision making abilities. Getting proper rest is essential for long stints of driving, and if you notice yourself feeling tired you can always pull to the side of the road and take a break.
As we use cars in our day to day life it is crucial for us to understand what the most common causes of these accidents are so that we can do our best to avoid them and make the roads safer for ourselves, as well as everyone else. However, if these safety measures fail, and you or a loved one does get into a car accident, it is important to reach out to eh best car accident attorneys. At LifeLaw Personal Injury we have a team of the absolute best car accident attorneys that will fight for the compensation that you deserve. Our team of experts makes sure to listen and communicate with your throughout every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your options further.