Sometimes, it is simple to see why a car crash happened — but sometimes, even the culpable driver is not sure what went wrong, and the real reason for a car crash is harder to pinpoint. A car accident lawyerHowever, knowing that there are six main reasons why car accidents occur, and being aware of them can make it easier to avoid one.
1. Distracted Driving
We all know we must keep our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel, but even so, distracted driving is a major explanation for accidents, fatalities and injuries. Distractions are manual (doing something with your hands when you should be at the wheel), visual (looking away from the road) or cognitive (thinking about things aside from driving). They can even be a combination of two or three of these items. Tinkering with a cellular phone, for example, means all three kinds of distractions come into play without delay.
2. Tired of Driving
There are many reasons why fatigue and driving is a potentially deadly combination. When you are tired, your judgment is not nearly as good as it should be. Your reaction time is slower. And even if you do not really fall asleep at the wheel, you are more likely to get distracted. The message is evident. If you are too tired, do not drive. And if you are taking a long road trip, make sure to consider rest periods including opportunities to sleep.
3. Drunk Driving
Have a designated driver. Take uber. Stay where you are and sleep. Whatever you do, do not allow yourself to drive while you are drinking. You’ll find guidelines like the “one drink per hour” rule of thumb, and there is even a calculator that looks at things like your height, weight, gender, and what you have been drinking. Don’t trust any of them. The safest assumption is that if you have been drinking, there’s some degree of damageand avoid driving!
4. Failing to Obey the Rules of the Road
If we did not know the traffic rules, we would not have a driver’s license. But regardless, there’s hardly a person alive who hasn’t taken the occasional chance with the highway code. It can be fatal. On the wrong track? Wait for the next exit! In a rush? Remember that you’re not “absolutely dying” to get there. Keep yourself and other road users safe by obeying the highway code.
5. Damaged Car Parts
From blown tires to steering and brakes that do not work as they should, car defects is among the causes of car accidents you have the least control over. Minimize your chances of causing an accident by taking excellent care of your car, inspecting it before you get in, and treating any signs of trouble as soon as possible.
6. Broken Highway
A sixth possible explanation for car accidents is rare, but it can and does occur: bad roads. You can lose control of the car after hitting a pothole, for example. Be careful of the road ahead and slow down when the road is wet or visibility is poor. If you see a dangerous defect on the road, make sure to report it to the authorities. You can help keep the roads safe for other drivers by being a caring citizen.
Know Why Accidents Happen and Beware
Knowing why accidents occur can help you safer on the road. Pass this knowledge on to your kids and set a good example for them to follow. You may never understand how many accidents your family avoided by driving carefully – and that is something to be grateful for.
