About six million car accidents occur each year in the United States. Do you know what the most common causes of car accidents are today?
As many people grow older, they forget some of the technicalities of driving law. When driving becomes second nature, sometimes important things can slip your mind.
Give yourself a little refresher with this list of the six most common causes of accidents. Next time you’re on the road, you’ll be more vigilant and less likely to get hurt.
Table of Contents
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can lead to all kinds of trouble. One of the most common causes of accidents is speeding, and you probably tend to speed when you aren’t paying enough attention to the road.
When you talk on the phone, eat, or mess with the radio while you drive, you lose reaction time. This makes you more likely to rear-end someone, drift out of your lane, or miss a traffic signal.
2. Intoxicated Driving
This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but it must be said: intoxicated driving is never worth the risk. When you drive impaired, you’re much more likely to injure or kill another driver or pedestrian.
Drugs and alcohol slow down your reaction time and can even blur your vision.
3. Unsafe Weather Conditions
Unsafe weather conditions can catch you off guard and cause accidents by rendering familiar roads full of surprises. When it’s snowing, raining, or even windy, you should be extra careful.
When in doubt, stay home during ominous-looking weather.
4. Visual Obstruction
There are many types of visual obstructions that can lead to car accidents. For instance, sometimes the position of the sun can drastically shrink your field of vision.
Your vision can also be obstructed if you have too much stuff packed into your car and cannot properly see out of your back windshield.
5. Faulty Machinery
When your car suddenly stops working properly, you should always pull over if possible. If not, put your hazard lights on and make sure other drivers know that you cannot move out of the way.
Machinery failures are a less common cause of accidents, but they do happen. Never attempt to drive a car that seems to be having significant mechanical issues.
6. Other Drivers
Sometimes a car collision isn’t your fault, but you still risk paying the price. That’s why having a good car insurance policy is always ideal.
Check out sweetlaw.com for tips about car accidents without insurance coverage. Having legal help on hand is always a good idea, especially when you’re in an accident that is someone else’s fault.
Protect Yourself From Common Causes of Car Accidents
Protect yourself from these common causes of car accidents the next time you drive. Most road accidents are preventable, and you can be the one who prevents them.
For more safety tips, check out the rest of our blog. We report on everything you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe.
