Did you know that human error is the cause of around 94% of all road accidents?
Unfortunately, drivers make many mistakes that can cause mayhem on the roadways. Vehicles are getting smarter and safer with cutting-edge technologies being baked in. But driver errors can nullify even the best safety features.
Whether you’re injured in a car accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, finding a personal injury lawyer is essential. You may face surgery, physiotherapy, and time off work without a regular income. A lawyer can help you get the help you need.
Are you aware of the primary causes of fender benders? They probably won’t surprise you. Keep reading to see the four leading causes of vehicular mayhem on the road.
Main Reasons for Car Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes 2,800 deaths annually — and 400,000+ motorists are injured annually due to accidents caused by distracted driving.
While many talk about the supposed benefits of multitasking, the reality is that it’s not as easy as it might seem. Driving requires focusing on the task at hand. When you’re behind the wheel of a car, you should be fully engaged in operating the vehicle.
You can’t afford to be distracted by texting, talking on the phone, eating breakfast, fiddling with the stereo volume, or talking to passengers. Failing to concentrate on driving will put you, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at heightened risk.
2. Driving Too Fast
It’s essential to drive within the posted speed limit. You should also consider the road conditions. If you’re driving 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, you could have issues if you need to brake suddenly.
So, it’ll take 23 meters or 75 feet to come to a sudden stop if you’re traveling at a speed of 30 mph. But it’ll take 53 meters or 174 feet to stop if traveling 50 mph. If you’re driving too fast on a stretch or roadway where everyone is driving at the speed limit, you’re stopping distance will be greater. And those extra meters might result in an accident.
You’re better off adhering to the speed limit — or going even slower. If you’re in a rush, remember, it’s not worth risking your life by driving too fast. Drive within the limit, and slow down if the road conditions warrant doing so. It’s best to leave on time if you have an appointment so that you don’t have to rush.
3. Drunk Driving
Did you know 32 people in the U.S. die daily in crashes involving drunk drivers? That works out to one death every 45 minutes!
Despite public awareness campaigns about the negative impact of drunk driving, people still get behind the wheel while impaired. You’ll want to avoid drinking and driving. And it’s easier than some make it out to be.
If you’ll enjoy some drinks at a bar, get a ride home from someone who didn’t drink, call a cab, take public transportation, or get an Uber. Don’t drive while impaired.
4. Fatigue
Another cause of accidents on the roadway is driver fatigue. It’s never a good thing to drive if you’re physically exhausted. Your response time will diminish and, horror of horrors — you might even nod off behind the wheel. If you’re tired behind the wheel, pull over on the shoulder or somewhere else safe and get a power nap.
These are four leading causes of car accidents — and ways to prevent them. Unfortunately, there are other reasons for fender benders, injuries, and deaths on the road. And not all of them are related to human error. For instance, weather conditions or vehicle failure can contribute to roadway problems. Your best bet is to be a responsible driver by following the rules of the road and caring for your car.
