Top Causes of Automobile Accidents

 

Almost everyone gets behind the wheel of an automobile each and every day. Whether it is going to work, making appointments, running errands, or picking up kids from school, driving is a life necessity for many of us. And yet, driving is actually one of the most dangerous activities anyone can do. While it is important to practice safe driving and remain alert and cautious while on the road, you can’t control other drivers. To keep yourself and those in your vehicle safe from harm, you should be aware of and try to avoid these top causes of automobile accidents.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Simply taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds to write a text, fumble around in your purse, or pick up something you dropped can have drastic consequences. For instance, if you are traveling at 55 mph, you would have covered about 135 yards in that time without even looking at the road. That’s why distracted driving has become the No. 1 cause of automobile accidents and related injuries. Also, talking on the phone while driving can be more distracting than you think – even when using hands-free devices. Researchers at the University of South Carolina found that people were four times more distracted doing visual tasks while talking than they were doing the same tasks while listening.

Drunk Driving Auto Accidents

Nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes happen when one of the drivers is over the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit, and during the late-night hours that percentage nearly doubles. In fact, death from auto accident injury ranks as one of the most common causes of unintentional deaths. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that motor vehicle traffic crashes were the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths, which had claimed 38,748 lives.

Teen Driver-Caused Accidents

Based on a 2017 report, the CDC estimates that drivers aged 15 – 19 are three times more likely than anyone else to be involved in a fatal car crash. The report also found that males of that age are twice as likely to be involved in a car crash that results in death than females.

Auto Accident Injury Lawyers

Injured in an automobile accident caused by a distracted, drunk, or teenage driver? Call Lanzotti & Rau today for a free initial consultation. We can give you the best legal advice to ensure that you don’t do anything which could jeopardize your right to compensation. Don’t let greedy insurance companies take advantage of you – you are legally entitled to compensation for damage to your property and body, as well as for your pain and suffering. Best of all, you don’t have to pay us up front: we only take a portion of the settlement once your case is closed. To contact us, call 573-335-9300 today!