Common Causes of Car Accidents: How to Avoid Them and Stay Safe

Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6 million car accidents in 2020, resulting in over 38,000 deaths and over 2.3 million injuries. To avoid injury and stay safe while behind the wheel, here are some common car accident causes and tips for steering clear of them.

Common Car Accident Causes

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving

  This is one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents. Distracted driving can involve anything from talking on a cell phone to eating to changing the radio station. When you are distracted, you are not paying attention to the road, which can lead to accidents.

• Driving under the influence of drugs

  Drugs can impair your judgment and coordination, just like alcohol. If you are taking drugs, do not get behind the wheel.

• Drunk driving

  Drunk driving is another major cause of car accidents. Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, which can make it very difficult to drive safely. If you are going to drink, do not get behind the wheel.

• Fatigue

  Fatigue is a major factor in car accidents. When you are tired, your reaction time is slower and you are more likely to make mistakes. If you are feeling tired, pull over and take a nap.

• Mechanical problems

  Mechanical problems can also cause car accidents. If you notice any problems with your car, have it repaired immediately.

• Poor weather conditions

  Bad weather can make driving more difficult and dangerous. If you are driving in bad weather, be sure to slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you.

• Reckless driving

  Reckless driving is any type of driving that is dangerous and could put others at risk. This can include things like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and driving aggressively.

• Speeding

  Driving too fast is a leading factor in fatal car accidents. When you are speeding, you have less time to react to hazards on the road, which can lead to accidents.

Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents

There are many things you can do to avoid car accidents and stay safe on the road. A few tips include:

• Obeying the speed limit.
• Not drinking and driving.
• Not texting and driving.
• Wearing your seatbelt.
• Being aware of your surroundings.
• Not tailgating by leaving plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
• Being patient and courteous to other drivers.
• Not driving when tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Having your car regularly maintained.

By following these tips, you can help to avoid car accidents and stay safe on the road. However, in the event that you are injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact the Experienced Car Accident Lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau

The knowledgeable lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you understand your legal rights and pursue legal action to receive compensation for your car accident injury and automobile damage. To learn more about our car accident legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today to schedule a free consultation at 573-335-9300.