Car crashes account for the most deaths in the United States for individuals between the ages of one and 54. Deaths from traffic accidents are seen as a global problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.35 million people die on the road annually from car accidents around the globe. Each day, about 3,700 individuals die in motor vehicle accidents but cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians were the most likely to die in a collision.
Road accidents happen for many reasons. Sometimes, drivers are not focused on the road while driving. Often, they succumb to fatigue due to long drives. Here are the most common causes of car accidents:
Distracted Driving
In the U.S., driving while distracted is the most common reason that drivers cause an accident. Some of the drivers fail to focus on the road because they are using their smartphones, or they are eating food or doing their makeup while driving.
Speeding
The second most common reason for car accidents is speeding. Speeding is the cause of the majority of fatal traffic injuries. It is pretty common for some motorists to drive above the speed limit. Due to the high speed of their vehicles, they can lose control of their cars and cause accidents because it takes them longer to bring their vehicles to a full stop. There may be instances when cars did not undergo proper maintenance, and drivers fail to check whether the brakes are working or not. In a blog posted by a Houston Personal Injury Law Firm, braking violations have rendered many commercial trucks out of service because they failed to undergo necessary maintenance checks.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI) occurs more frequently on weekends and holidays when people are most prone to drink too much and drive home. Since drunk drivers have depressed inhibitions, they are also likely to engage in speeding, which can lead to more accidents. Additionally, their response time is massively reduced. Know that all states in the U.S. have at least a 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit. Alcohol can have significant effects on individuals, increasing their risk for accidents.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is also a frequent cause of accidents in the U.S. Individuals who choose to ignore road signs, change lanes without looking or signaling, speeding, and tailgating are just some of the examples of this irresponsible driving. Like drunk driving, reckless driving is easily preventable. It often involves motorists who do not care about other people on the road.
Rain
While this may come as surprising to some, rain is among the most common reasons for car accidents. Some drivers are not aware of how slippery the roads can become when it rains so it doesn’t occur to them to slow down. Tires often lose their grip on the road when it is wet. The risk of accidents during harsh weather conditions can be amplified by poorly maintained cars, like those with improperly inflated tires. Inexperienced drivers can panic when driving under heavy rain so it’s not a great idea for them to be driving in those conditions.
When you need to drive, it is essential to ask yourself whether you and your vehicle are both ready. Make sure that you, as a driver, are well-rested so you don’t feel fatigued while you are driving. Eat before driving and stop on the side of the road if you must communicate with a colleague. Your car must be maintained appropriately, especially if you are going on a long drive. Check brakes and oil as needed.
