Car accidents are common and may result in pain, suffering, permanent disabilities, and loss of wages.Traffic accidents may be caused due to human error or for reasons not related to human error. Let’s look at the most common causes of car accidents that you should be aware of.
1) Car accidents due to driver error
Many traffic accidents take place as a result of decisions a driver makes while driving the car. Most people panic or freeze after an accident, and this is normal. But, you should know what to do if a car accident wasn’t your fault. If you are driving, you should keep the following causes of driver error in mind and try to ensure you can avoid them.
a) Driving while distracted
A top cause of car accidents is driving while distracted. If you are doing some other task while driving (texting, reading, eating, talking on the phone), you are prone to distraction. This happens since your brain is switching between tasks, and you aren’t able to focus just on your driving.
b) Drunk driving
This is a no-brainer. If you are drunk, then your reaction times and your judgment skills get affected. If you have had a few drinks, the best option is to get a cab home. After all, you don’t want to be one of the 29 deaths per day that take place due to drunk driving.
c) Reckless driving
Reckless driving is a menace and can lead to accidents. Examples of reckless driving are disregarding the safety or property of others, switching lanes quickly without indicating, failing to follow cautionary measures while driving.
d) Running stop signs and red lights
40% of car accidents take place at intersections due to drivers running stop signs or red lights. What such callous drivers don’t keep in mind is whether it is really worth it to save one or two minutes and take the risk of injuring or killing themselves or others.
e) Fatigue
Drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue can impair a driver’s reactions and responses, leading to an accident. Hence if you feel fatigued, you should immediately stop driving and take rest.
2) Car accidents unrelated to human error
Sometimes, car accidents can happen due to reasons unrelated to human error. There are some other factors that can cause such accidents to take place. The primary reasons are:
a) Car defects
A car has hundreds of parts that keep them running smoothly and safely. But, with so many parts, car accidents may occur due to malfunctions or due to the old age of the car. To prevent such an accident from taking place, you should consider getting rid of a car that is too old.
b) Due to poor road conditions
Roads that are poorly maintained may cause a flat tire. Flat tires can be especially dangerous if you are driving at high speed and may influence your ability to brake adequately. If you are about to drive on a poorly maintained road, then you should drive very slowly and if possible, choose an alternate route.
c) Due to bad weather conditions
Rain, ice, or even snow can result in slippery roads. Such slippery roads may cause vehicles to slip on the road, hit other vehicles or objects, causing accidents. Wind speed, fog, and flooding on the road may also lead to accidents due to bad weather.
In Summary
Car accidents may result in you facing multiple challenges such as medical expenses, lost wages, and bad memories from the accident. Hence, you should be aware of the common reasons that cause car accidents and take conscious steps to prevent such accidents from taking place.
