Top 12 Causes of Car Accidents
Author: Auger Law | March 12th, 2021
When you are involved in a car accident, you experience consequences beyond a damaged vehicle. You may experience temporary or permanent injuries, a loss of income, or any number of unexpected, frustrating consequences.
While many causes of car accidents seem obvious, this list is aimed at all drivers, new and experienced. Whether you just got your license or have been driving for decades, this list serves as a reminder to the causes of accidents and how you can avoid causing them.
1. Distracted Driving
The number one cause of auto accidents is distracted driving. Any time your full attention is not on the road, you are considered to be distracted.
2. Speeding
It is not unusual for people to drive slightly above the speed limit. Although this can be dangerous, it is not as dangerous as the people traveling 10, 20 or 30 miles above the limit. Remember that the faster you are moving, the longer it will take you to react and come to a stop.
3. Drunk Driving
Drivers who are drunk do not possess the same focus or ability to react as those who drive sober. If you choose to drink, find someone sober to drive.
4. Reckless Driving
In driver’s education, students are taught to drive defensively. Unfortunately, some choose to drive recklessly instead, with little regard for motorists sharing the road.
5. Rain
Water on the roadways causes slick spots and dangerous surfaces. Speed often plays a factor in accidents that are caused due to inclement weather. If it is actively raining or the roadway is wet, slow down.
6. Failure to Stop at Red Lights
A red light means stop; it is not optional. When you run a red light, you are at risk of causing an accident that seriously injures another person. No matter what color the light at the intersection; always look both ways for oncoming cars before you pass through.
7. Failure to Stop at Stop Signs
Stop signs should be treated as red lights. No matter where you are, do not ignore a stop sign. Many accidents are caused every day because a person chooses to speed through an intersection rather than stop as directed.
8. Young Drivers
Besides being inexperienced, teenage drivers are often distracted. Teenage drivers do not always know how to react to situations or fail to react properly due to distracted driving.
9. Night Driving
When the sun disappears from the sky, you must focus harder on the road in front of you. Your chances of a car accident nearly double in the dark.
10. Car Defects
There are hundreds of parts and components that make up your automobile, any of which can fail at any time. Design defects are the tenth most common reason for automobile accidents.
11. Improper Lane Changes
At some time, you will need to change lanes. Do not rely solely on your mirrors to tell you if it is safe to do so. Always check your blind spots, use your turn signal, and move cautiously into the other lane.
12. Wrong-Way Entry
Traveling the wrong way on an entrance or exit ramp, or even on a one-way street, can have deadly consequences.
If you have been the victim of an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. There are rights that you must be made aware of. Call Auger & Auger Attorneys at Law to discuss your case today. We can help you now!
