Identifying Common Causes of Automobile Accidents Can Help Reduce Their Frequency

For most people, driving is a routine, daily activity that doesn’t require much thought or effort. Unfortunately, driving’s mundane nature can lull drivers into a false sense of safety. Auto accidents kill over 32,000 people annually and injure an additional two million, according to the CDC.

One crucial factor in staying safe is knowing why accidents occur. The majority of car accidents involve at least one of the following five factors.  

Speeding

Speeding is a factor in approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities each year, according to the NHTSA. When drivers speed, their reaction time decreases, increasing the likelihood of a collision. 

Exceeding the posted limit is only one type of dangerous speeding. Accidents also occur when drivers follow the speed limit but drive too fast for the conditions. Examples include driving too fast in wet weather or on damaged roads.   

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Traffic laws exist to keep drivers safe. Ignoring even seemingly trivial laws increases a driver’s unpredictability, which increases the risk of an accident. Traffic violations that can lead to accidents include:

• Failure to use a turn signal
• Tailgating
• Failure to stop or yield

Traffic violations often occur in conjunction with aggressive driving, which is another accident risk factor. 

Drugs and Alcohol

Approximately one out of every three fatal car crashes involve a drunk driver, according to the CDC. While people from all walks of life choose to drive while intoxicated, the problem is particularly prevalent among men between the ages of 21 and 34. They’re responsible for 32 percent of all drunk driving instances, despite making up 11 percent of the total population. 

Preventing drunk driving requires a multi-faceted approach. Individuals must choose rideshares or alternative means of transportation instead of getting behind the wheel. Additionally, cities can help curtail drunk driving with checkpoints and other enforcement methods. 

Distraction

While everyone recognizes the dangers of drunk driving, the general public often underestimates the nearly equal risks of distracted driving.

There are three types of distracted driving. Visual distraction occurs when the driver stops watching the road. Manual distraction is when the driver fails to maintain proper physical control over the wheels or pedals. Finally, cognitive distraction is when the driver is no longer paying attention to their actions, such as if they’re lost in thought. 

Vehicle Defects

Malfunctioning or improperly maintained vehicles also increase accident risk. 

Failure to perform routine vehicle maintenance results in safety issues. Bald tires, broken mirrors, worn brakes, and other seemingly minor issues can significantly decrease a driver’s ability to control their vehicle. 

Manufacturing defects can also create unsafe vehicle conditions. Drivers should stay up to date on any recalls or advisories issues for their vehicle. In some situations, manufacturing defects can result in legal action against the vehicle manufacturer, especially if the defect led to an accident. 

Staying Accident-Free When Driving

“With the help of an experienced auto accident attorney, financial compensation following an accident might be possible,” said attorney Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. “But car accidents can still result in significant damage, serious injuries, and even death. You want to always stay focused and give driving the respect it deserves so you can avoid accidents altogether.”

Understanding why accidents occur allows drivers to anticipate and recognize dangerous situations. Simple actions, such as obeying traffic laws and avoiding driving while drunk, have a dramatic impact on a driver’s ability to stay safe when behind the wheel.