Driving is a necessity for most people in the United States. Whether you’re trying to get to work or need to get through a set of errands, a car is most likely required. However, with an increasing number of cars on the road every year, the risks of getting into an accident are present for even the safest drivers. In the state of Washington for example, it is estimated that a car accident occurs every four minutes. To help you stay safe on the road, we put together a list of the most common causes of car accidents within the country.
Distracted Driving
A significant number of car crashes are caused by distracted driving. Although cellphones are a factor in many collisions, distracted driving can take many other forms. A motorist may be inputting directions into their car’s GPS system, adjusting the volume of the vehicle’s speakers, putting on makeup, or even eating. Anything that removes a driver’s focus from the road and cars around them may be considered distracted driving. Roadway conditions can change very quickly, and a driver that is not fully focused on their vehicle may be unable to react to a dangerous situation quickly enough to prevent a crash.
Speeding
Speeding can be broken down into two primary categories. In the first situation, a driver simply exceeds the posted speed limit for the road that they are on. A driver may also be speeding if they are going too fast for the prevailing road or weather conditions. For example, a freeway may have a posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour, but a driver should not be driving that fast in heavy traffic. Although it may be tempting to speed to make an appointment or reach another destination faster, it’s important to remember that speeding increases a driver’s reaction time. It is much harder to see, react to, and avoid potential hazards at a higher rate of speed.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol reduces a motorist’s ability to adapt to changing road conditions. Alcohol and other substances also impact a person’s judgement and critical thinking, thus making them more likely to make a critical mistake while behind the wheel of a car. It is always safer to use a rideshare service, call a friend, or sober up before driving after drinking or using other intoxicating substances.
Reckless or Dangerous Driving
Tailgating, weaving in and out of freeway traffic, and cutting other drivers off are all examples of reckless driving. Road rage can also be a factor in accidents caused by reckless or dangerous driving. If you see a driver making erratic or unsafe maneuvers, maintain a safe distance and report them to the proper authorities. Nothing you do is going to make the other driver operate their vehicle safely and getting into an altercation can put you at risk of serious harm.
Unsafe Weather Conditions
The prevailing weather conditions can have a major impact on how safe it is to drive on a roadway. Fog, rain, snow, and other serious weather conditions can limit visibility or make the road more difficult to navigate. For these reasons, it’s important to take weather and road conditions into consideration when driving. By maintaining a safe speed and following distance for the current weather, you reduce your chances of getting into a crash and protect the drivers around you.
Inexperienced Drivers
Young drivers or motorists that do not drive frequently may be more likely to make an error that leads to a car crash. As a driver accrues more hours behind the wheel, they gain the experience to make correct split-second decisions and navigate the road safely. Particularly for new drivers, it’s essential to build up confidence through hours spent behind the wheel.
Stay Safe on the Road
We hope that this article helps you avoid some of the most common causes of car crashes. Remember to always practice defensive driving, avoid road rage incidents, and drive the speed limit. It’s better to arrive to your destination a few minutes late than run the ever-present risk of a collision.