Car accidents happen all the time, but most could have been prevented if one or both drivers had been driving more responsibly. Not all accidents can be avoided, of course, but here are some of their most common causes.
1. Distracted Driving
The leading cause for car accidents is distracted driving. Drivers can be distracted by virtually anything, but the #1 distraction is cell phones. Texting while driving is illegal in over half the US, and 11 states ban all use of handheld cell phones while driving. Many states such as New York have cracked down with more expensive fines and added points on your driving record for violations (learn more about New York’s cell phone law).
Other distractions include eating, fiddling with the radio, putting on cosmetics, looking at scenery, and even talking with passengers while driving.
Do not think that you are the exception to a rule. You can get in an accident as easily as anyone else, and allowing yourself to be distracted only increases your chances. Put the cell phone away while you drive, let “shotgun” be DJ, and eat breakfast before you leave for work in the morning instead of on the way.
2. Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is, of course, another leading cause of car accidents. According to Madd.org, 28 people die per day as a result of drunk driving accidents. In 2011, 15% of drivers involved in fatal crashes during the week were driving drunk—on the weekend, it jumped to 31%.
Ultimately, the only way to avoid accidents from drunk driving is to not drink and drive. It’s as simple as that. Driving sober saves lives.
3. Speeding
Speeding is dangerous on several levels. Speed limit signs are posted for a reason, especially around parks, residential areas, and winding stretches of highway. Driving faster than has been deemed safe increases the risk of getting in an accident and makes the accidents that do happen worse.
Slowing down and paying attention to the cars and people around you makes a huge difference in driving safety. The slower you drive, the more time you have to react in a crisis and the more control you have over your vehicle.
4. Driver Fatigue
According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 100,000 accidents due to drowsy drivers every year. Driver fatigue is, of course, worse at night, but you should never drive when you’re fatigued even if it’s in the middle of the day.
Pay attention to how tired you are, and don’t ignore the warning signs. If your eyelids get heavy, you start yawning frequently, or you find yourself drifting over the lines, pull over and let your eyes rest. Don’t let your concentration start to fade just because you have somewhere to be—if you get into an accident, you’ll be much later to your destination than if you just pulled over for a few minutes or let someone else drive.
5. Weather
No one can control the weather, but you can control how you drive. Bad weather can cause good, careful drivers to have accidents too, of course, but your chances are significantly reduced if you simply pay more attention.
The best way to avoid an accident while driving is simply to slow down. Drive below the speed limit and pay extra attention to cars who are driving faster than you are. Put more space between your vehicle and the car you are following, and start slowing down sooner than you would in good weather.
In worst case scenarios, pull over to the side of the road and wait until the storm eases or the traffic clears.
Don’t let distractions or the need for speed result in a wreck. Pay attention to the road and other drivers around you; simply driving a little more carefully will increase your ability to avoid a car accident significantly.
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