We all know the importance of safety precautions when it comes to driving. Car accidents may happen at any moment, so being prepared is always a good idea. This article lists out the top seven main causes of car accidents and also provides advice on how you can prevent them from happening.
What is a Car Accident?
Having an automobile collision causes considerable stress. A vehicle accident’s aftermath may add to your anxiety. Injuries, property damage, medical expenses, and loss of income are all possibilities if you’re involved in a car accident.
RTAs (Road traffic accidents), as they’re often referred as, are a significant source of business interruption and a health and safety risk.
Accidents have a variety of reasons, some more often than others. Many automobile accidents can be prevented, while others cannot. Below are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents. Knowing what causes a collision may help you stay clear of one yourself.
#1. Driving While Distracted
Automobile accidents all around the world are almost always caused by distracted driving. Whenever a driver isn’t completely focused on the road, they are engaging in distracted driving. A mobile gadget, other passengers, or even a sandwich may be capturing their attention.
When you’re on your phone, it’s easy to be unaware of what’s happening in front of you while taking your eyes off the road. While driving, always keep in mind that nothing else matters other than getting from point A to point B as securely as possible.
#2. Excessive Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds increases the severity of any accidents that do occur, and it also slows the time individuals have to react to one another’s actions while in traffic. On roads, speed limits are set because the stated speed is deemed safe for the circumstances that are usually present on that specific route.
According to most regions’ laws, drivers must travel at a pace that is appropriate for the present road conditions, up to the posted speed limit. Driving at the stated speed limit isn’t always safe, especially in hazardous situations like construction zones, high commercial traffic, poor road conditions, bad weather and more.
#3. Following too Closely
Rear-end collisions are the most frequent kind of car accident on American roads. When a rear-end collision occurs, it’s often due to a confluence of other factors: inattentive driving, speeding, and trailing too tightly for the circumstances of the road, are all factors.
The driver doesn’t allow enough distance between their car and the one in front of them to observe the road conditions safely and respond in time if a danger occurs.
To prevent a collision in an emergency situation, every motorist requires adequate distance in front of their car to slow down quickly. Keep in mind that most nations’ driving laws require you to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you while driving in ideal circumstances, which means maintaining a minimum three seconds from your vehicle to the one in front of you.
#4. Fatigue/Tiredness
Major incidents are more likely to be the result of a chain reaction when drivers are tired. Another third of deadly automobile accidents are thought to be caused by it, and the percentage of fatal accidents involving only one vehicle is considerably greater. It’s just as hazardous to drive when tired, but it’s harder to identify, police, and prevent than driving while intoxicated. Here you can find out the best NRC Group smash repairs.
Besides the obvious dangers of driving when sleepy, many individuals aren’t even aware of how much their driving and cognitive skills suffer when they’re weary.
When it comes to driving when fatigued, even if you know better, it may be difficult to tell when it becomes a danger to your health and safety. All new cars do not come equipped with drowsiness detecting systems. It is thus wise to prevent becoming a victim of tired driving by using the old-fashioned approach of stopping for 10-15 minutes for each two hours if you are on an extended journey.
#5. Driving While Intoxicated
Drunk driving (DUI) is defined as the act of operating, or being in control of, a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including psychoactive narcotics and medications prescribed by a physician), to the extent that the driver is unable to execute the motor vehicle safely and responsibly.
Anyone who drinks and drives is putting himself and others in risk. Drinking dulls your senses and impairs your cognitive abilities. As soon as you sit in the driver’s seat, your response times and decision-making skills deteriorate. In the event you decide to indulge in some intoxication, arrange for sober transportation home.
#6. Poor Decision-Making
Other choices made by the driver cause collisions as well. It’s possible to cause a collision by speeding, tailgating, or making an unsafe pass before the motorist has a chance to alter his or her course of action. If you consider the weather and visibility, poor decision-making may lead to dangerous speeds.
Around one-third among all traffic-related deaths occur as a result of drivers who are speeding. Young drivers are especially vulnerable to collisions as a result of speeding. Drivers who are in their teens have higher rates of speeding and male adolescents are more prone than female teens to do so. Inexperienced drivers are more inclined to speed, making them less prepared to cope with high-speed dangers on the road.
#7. Inclement Weather
Unfortunately, a large percentage of drivers are unable to drive safely in bad weather. Drivers push the limits when it’s pouring or foggy because they’re travelling at excessive speeds. Inclement weather isn’t an excuse for a mistake. Even if you’ve been in a vehicle accident, you may still hold someone responsible and seek financial recompense for your losses. When you have made a claim for damages for your losses you might need to find a car accident lawyer who can assist you.
Final Words
Many accidents might be prevented if individuals were more alert or deliberate in their actions. Accidents happen for a variety of causes, some of which cannot be foreseen. If you’re intoxicated or irresponsible, you have complete control over whether or not you drive.
