5 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents - AllCarIndex
According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, 1.35 million people die in road accidents worldwide annually, and up to 50 million people are injured. We will never be able to prevent all road accidents, but it's clear to see that a significant number of them may be avoidable. Here are some of the most common car accident causes that contribute to many families being torn apart each year.
Distracted Driving
Any auto accident attorney San Antonio residents rely on will confidently state that at least some accidents are caused by distracted drivers. However, according to the NHTSA, distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of road collisions.
In 2019, distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,000 people in the U.S., and several thousand more were injured. Even taking your eyes off the road for a minute to answer a text, change the radio station, or face your passenger can be all it takes to be involved in a catastrophic collision that changes your entire life.
Drunk Driving
Driving with drugs or alcohol in your system can be dangerous. Once alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it enters vital organs, leading to slowed reaction times and dulled vision and judgment. These can impact your ability to drive safely, meaning you may be at risk of an accident.
Even though the stakes are high, alcohol-related incidents are still all too common. Over two dozen people die in drunk-driving accidents every day, equalling around one every 52 minutes.
Poor Weather Conditions
The new vehicles we have on our roads today boast incredible safety technologies that make many drivers feel safer on the road. While features like speed limit technology and anti-lock brakes may contribute to lower accident rates, poor weather conditions still lead to many crashes every year.
Rain, snow, and hail can all limit visibility, while ice can reduce how much traction you have to remain in complete control. Even sunshine poses problems, with glare affecting visibility where you need it the most. You may not be able to prevent all weather-related accidents, but driving to the conditions can be crucial for keeping yourself as safe as possible.
Speeding
Many people value fast cars and like to push them to their limits. However, speed contributes to many accidents on U.S. roads, which means sticking to the posted speed limits can be a matter of life and death. According to the National Safety Council, speed was a factor in 26% of 2019 traffic fatalities, resulting in the deaths of over 25 people each day.
Tailgating
Driving behind slow vehicles can be frustrating, and it's often tempting to get close to them to view your passing opportunities ahead. However, the closer you are to a driver, the less time you have to react.
Always maintain a safe following distance of at least two to four seconds, depending on the weather and how laden your vehicle is. By doing so, you may reduce the risk of a collision if that driver should make any sudden moves that require you to take immediate action.
We accept that accidents are a part of our daily lives, but they don't have to be. By being aware of the most common causes listed above, you may be less inclined to make some of these mistakes that may change your life forever.