It takes a lot of practice and time behind the wheel to become a proficient driver, especially if one hopes to avoid being involved in an accident.
There will always be car accidents, even with the latest advancements in vehicle technology such as adaptive headlamps, backup cameras, and forward-collision systems. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 20,160 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the first half of 2021.
When you get into a car accident, you may end up with lifelong injuries, lost wages, and other negative outcomes. Just because car accidents are so common doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be aware of the facts. We’d want to make sure you understand why car accidents happen so that you can learn how to avoid them while driving. Here are a few reasons why car accidents happen:
Reasons Why Car Accidents Happen
1. Speeding
One of the most common causes of car accidents is speeding as the driver is getting late for work, struggling to catch up with traffic, or probably not paying attention to the posted speed limit.
2. Driving When Drunk or High
There are an average of 29 casualties each day caused by drunk driving. However, deaths caused by drunk driving have declined as a result of more recent teaching efforts.
3. Interference With the Speed Lane
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Contrary to popular belief, the brain is not capable of multitasking. Drivers who text, talk on the phone, read or even eat while behind the wheel cannot properly focus on the road ahead because their brains are constantly switching between tasks.
4. Speeding Through Stop Signs and Traffic Signals
Speeding is a common cause of car accidents, with the most common cause being a driver who runs a traffic signal or stops signs. It’s not worth the risk of harm or death to yourself or others to skip a delay of just a few minutes.
5. Driving Recklessly
There are many other features of reckless driving, such as rapidly changing lanes, disregarding others’ safety or property, and purposefully disobeying cautionary measures. Speeding and other traffic infractions that threaten other drivers or properties are examples of aggressive driving.
6. Fatigue
Sleepiness and fatigue can hinder a driver’s ability to react appropriately and accurately to changes in the road environment.
7. Traffic Conditions
Poorly maintained roads lead to punctured tires and impact a driver’s braking ability.
8. Weather Conditions
Slippery roads caused by rain, ice, or snow reduce tire grip, resulting in vehicles sliding off the road or colliding with other objects or cars. Visibility, wind speed, and water levels may also play a role in weather-related incidents.
9. Vehicle Quality and Condition
To maintain a car running smoothly and safely, you need to look after many components. However, with so many components, malfunctions are not unusual.
Whether you’re a new driver with only a few months of driving experience or a seasoned veteran with more than 40 years of driving under your belt, this list of common causes of automobile accidents is meant to teach new and experienced drivers alike. We hope you will consider these points and do your best to prevent any future blunders.
Javier Marcos is a personal injury lawyer in Houston who can help you with your accident case. He has more than 20 years of experience. If you or a loved one are hurt in an accident, do not let time pass by, call immediately the office for a free consultation.
