The property damage and personal injuries sustained in a car collision can be substantial. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 38,000 persons in the United States were killed in automobile accidents in 2020. Many things can go wrong and lead to a car accident, but there are some constants. Here, we’ll take a look at the five most common contributors to vehicular mishaps.
Causes Of Car Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become an epidemic on American highways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,142 people have already died this year in inattentive driving accidents. Driving distractions can be categorized into three broad categories: those that divert attention away from the road, those that divert attention away from the hands on the wheel, and those that divert attention away from the mind. Since it combines all three types of distraction, texting while driving is the most dangerous.
California highway patrol accident reports can easily get from using handheld electronic devices. Using a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle is against the law in many states. Distractions such as eating, drinking, grooming or even conversing with passengers should be avoided at all costs by drivers. The number of accidents brought on by distracted driving can be reduced if we all do our part and keep alert when driving.
2. Speeding
Driving at an unsafe rate of speed is likewise against the law. In 2019, speeding was a factor in 26% of highway fatalities, according to the National Highway Safety Administration. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, their ability to respond quickly to changes in traffic or road conditions is diminished, making an accident more likely.
Some municipalities have installed traffic calming measures like speed bumps and roundabouts to combat speeding. Radar and other technology are also used by law enforcement to catch speeders. Drivers should respect the set speed limits and drive safely in the current road conditions.
3. Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severe crime that can have devastating repercussions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,142 persons killed in car accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol in 2019. This figure accounts for 28 percent of all people killed in car accidents in the United States.
Checkpoints designed to determine a driver’s sobriety are one method law enforcement organizations use to fight drunk driving. Drivers who are captured while under the influence of alcohol or drugs face harsh penalties. It is imperative that motorists never combine drinking with driving and always arrange for a sober driver to take them home or use a ridesharing service.
4. Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly is a generic term that refers to a wide range of risky driving actions that can occur on the road. Examples of driving recklessly include going over the posted speed limit, following too closely, swerving in and out of traffic, and running red lights. Driving recklessly can put you and others in danger of serious injury or death.
Law enforcement agencies execute campaigns of aggressive driving enforcement in order to fight reckless driving. These campaigns use technologies such as red light cameras and speed cameras in order to detect drivers who violate traffic laws. It is essential for motorists to develop safe driving habits and to always maintain composure and patience when they are behind the wheel.
5. Weather Conditions
The state of the weather can have a considerable influence on the risk involved in driving. Accidents can be caused when precipitation such as rain, snow, or ice causes roadways to become slick and difficult to navigate. In addition, situations such as fog, strong gusts, and other elements of the weather can impair vision, making it more difficult to notice other vehicles while driving.
Drivers should modify their pace and driving behaviors according to the circumstances of the road to reduce the risks posed by the weather. This can involve slowing down, increasing the gap between you and the car in front of you, using your headlights, and utilizing any other visibility aids.
Conclusion
Many different things can cause car accidents, but by knowing the common causes, we can all attempt to stop them from happening. We can lower the number of road accidents by paying attention to the road, obeying traffic regulations, and engaging in safe driving practices. Never drive drunk, stay focused, always buckle up, and always wear a seatbelt. Let’s cooperate to make our roads safer and decrease the amount of collisions that cause harm and fatalities.
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