Accidents can occur. They can happen to anyone. However, some accidents are preventable. Understanding the common causes of accidents is the first step towards preventing them. The following are common causes of car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of auto accidents. Defined as not having the right focus while driving, distracted driving can serious accidents. Factors like texting while driving, taking over the phone, or sinking in deep thoughts can distract your mind and cause an accident. So, don’t eat, read, groom, or apply makeup while driving. These factors can lead to a fatal car accident.
Drunk Driving
According to the stats, drunk driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents. Driving while intoxicated has led to numerous accidents and even deaths. Remember, alcohol impairs your judgment. Thus, you can easily miscalculate when driving. Drunk driving can lead to dangerous overtaking, poor corner negotiation, overspeeding, and careless driving. So, if you love your life, stay away from drunk driving. It can send you into an early grave.
Over Speeding
Of course, speed can be good. It helps you arrive at your destination within no time. However, overspeeding can cause accidents. Speeding means that you have limited time to control your car in case of any eventuality. Stay safe. Adhere to speed limits. Start your journey early. Observe speed rules while on highways.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving involves operating your car in complete disregard of the traffic laws. For instance, changing lanes without following rules can lead to accidents. Still more, reckless driving involves overspeeding and aggressive driving. These events can pose damage to other road users and lead to accidents. So, don’t over speed. Stick to the speed limits. Change lanes carefully. Remember, there are also other road users. Don’t act as if you are the only user. Avoid over-speeding. Instead, stay calm. Don’t act aggressively on the road.
Rain And Bad Weather Conditions
Of course, you don’t have control over natural happenings like rain. However, certain measures can reduce them. For instance, avoiding driving during rain can be a lifesaver. Still more, if you think that the visibility is poor, consider staying at home. Poor visibility means that you won’t see the incoming vehicles, obstacles, or even road signs like pumps.
Red Lights
Red lights are meant to warn oncoming cars to stop. Carelessly running these lights can cause major problems. Plus, it’s against the law to run red lights without following traffic rules. Red lights can only be run during emergencies. Use the red lights properly. Avoid using them to beat traffic. It can cause serious accidents. Remember, life is precious.
The Danger of Night Driving
Driving at night can be dangerous. Things like poor visibility can cause accidents. The visibility at night is poor in some parts. So, avoid driving at night. However, if you have, consider being extra cautious. Also, use full lights when passing through an abandoned road with no street lights.
Car Design Defects
Car accidents can be caused by car design defects. To avoid these accidents, ensure that your car is in good condition. Take it for regular maintenance from time to time. Ensure that it’s properly oiled. Ensure that the brakes are in top shape.
Tailgating
Not keeping a good distance between you and the car in front can lead to accidents. Of course, the car in front can be too slow. But it’s important to keep a sufficient distance. This distance will allow for enough reaction time in case anything happens.
Improper Turns
Mistakes are investable. However, lapses when it comes to judgment while driving can lead to unnecessary accidents. For instance, it’s important to be aware of street lights. Not observing street lights can lead to horrible car crushes. Be careful while driving in unfamiliar territories. Use signs correctly. Always indicate when making turns. The same applies when changing between lanes.
Teenage Driving
Teenagers aren’t permitted to drive. First, they haven’t attained the legal age to drive. Second, they don’t have the necessary driving license documentation. Third, they can make irrational decisions on the road. In most cases, teens are influenced by emotions when driving. This means that the probability of causing accidents are higher.
Drugs
Besides alcohol, drugs can also lead to car accidents. Drugs such as marijuana and prescription pills can impair your judgment and cause accidents. Thus, don’t take drugs and drive. Driving under the influence of these drugs can lead to fatal accidents. According to experts, you shouldn’t take any drug—prescribed or non-prescribed—while driving.
Potholes
Sometimes, you cannot avoid potholes. They can surprise you on the road and lead to accidents. So, be careful when driving on these potholes. Avoid them. They can damage that precious car suspension of yours. However, don’t avoid potholes at the expense of your safety. In particular, avoid carelessly swerving into another lane. It can cause a collision with the oncoming car.
Tire Blowouts
Flat tires are some of the biggest causes of car accidents. Driving on a flat tire can make the car unstable—leading to loss of control. This can, in turn, lead to car accidents. If you experience a flat tire, consider remaining calm. Have complete control over your car. Don’t panic. Apply brakes gradually. Avoid applying instant brakes. Stop and pack safely. Call a technical expert to help you change the tires.
Animal Crossings
Did you know that hitting a deer is extremely dangerous? Well, now you know. For this reason, be watchful of animal crossings. Take extra caution when driving. And this is particularly important where animal crossing signs are present. Plus, you should always utilize your high beams when traversing the rural and woody areas.
Construction Spots
Certain construction sites can be confusing. Their setup can sometimes be misleading. So, be sure to follow the cones carefully. Be watchful of other drivers who might be confused. Drive slowly in these zones in order to minimize the occurrence of accidents. Before you drive, take time to think about your life and that of your loved ones. Be proactive by exercising caution and avoiding all forms of distractions that could hinder you from staying focused along the way. Your life is so precious. Take care of it.
Car Accident Lawsuit Types You Should Know
According to the stats, 30,000+ people die yearly. Another 1.4 million people get injured per year. Common causes of these car accidents include overspeeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and driver fatigue. There are several types of accident lawsuits. They include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are common types of accident lawsuits. There are several causes of these accidents. From drunk driving to driving a road unworthy car, you should familiarize yourself with the common causes of these accidents. It’s also important to understand how to file a car accident lawsuit. However, if you want to be on the safer side, consider hiring a good lawyer. Remember, these lawsuits demand time and effort. Fortunately, a lawyer is trained to handle these cases without much difficulty. If you want the best compensation, consider hiring a Houston Car Accident Lawyer.
Truck Accident Lawsuits
Truck accidents account for 10 percent of all wrecks on the road. According to the stats, 30,700+ and 1.5+ million deaths and injuries respectively occur around the world per year. Truck accidents result in truck accident lawsuits. Similar to car accidents, these lawsuits also require a good lawyer. Things like large blind spots, taking wider turns, and poor braking systems can cause truck accidents. To avoid truck accidents, drive carefully. Take your truck for regular maintenance. Don’t drive at night. Check the blind spots.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Another common type of accident is a motorcycle accident. Stats show that 4,400+ motorcyclists die each year from motorcycle accidents. Still more, motorcycle accidents contribute to more than 90,000 injuries per year. You are 39 times likely to die if you are a motorcyclist than a car driver. Still more, your chances of getting injured are 8 times than car drivers. These stats show you that it’s risky to ride a motorcycle. However, that doesn’t mean throwing your motorcycle away. With strict adherence to traffic rules, these accidents can be avoided. For instance, wearing a helmet and reflector jacket can save a life. Also, don’t ride during bad weather conditions. Avoid night riding.
Pedestrian Accident
It’s estimated that about 4,000 pedestrian deaths occur per year. The same stats show that more than 59,000 pedestrians are injured from accidents per year. Common causes include poor judgment, rogue drivers who don’t want to give way for pedestrians to cross, and busy urban centers. These accidents can be avoided. Observe traffic rules. Be careful when crossing. Use the zebra crossing section.
Bicyclist Accident Lawsuits
Bicycle accidents also contribute to more than 400 deaths and 51,000 injuries per year. Hire a lawyer to represent you in court if you are a victim of a bicycle accident.
The Bottom-Line
Car accidents, which can happen to anybody, can result in loss of life, incapacitation, personal injuries, etc. Still more, they can lead to loss of income. There are numerous causes of car accidents. The above are common causes of auto car accidents. Understanding these causes will help you avoid them.