Car accidents can cause considerable losses, ranging from loss of life to simple property damage. Car accidents can happen at any time, anywhere. If you have been involved in a car accident, you might consider contacting a car accident attorney to help you file a lawsuit.
Why Car Accidents Occur
Most of the time, car accidents occur due to human errors. Drivers, motorcyclists, and even pedestrians can make mistakes that sometimes lead to fatal accidents. Manufacturers of various vehicles may also make mistakes that can lead to cars breaking down when least expected and causing accidents.
Car drivers, motorcyclists, and other road users need to be keen and alert at all times to reduce the chances of causing accidents. Knowing what leads to most car accidents, you are likely to learn how to avoid such mistakes and drive safely. This article provides you with six common causes of car accidents.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is among the leading causes of car accidents. Drivers get distracted while driving through many potential activities. Texting, making phone calls, and eating are among the typical activities that distract drivers, leading them to lose attention on the roads.
Some drivers are distracted by staring so much at their surroundings through car windows.
Lack of concentration can lead to loss of focus, and you can easily lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. For you to drive safely, you will need to be very keen and avoid multitasking while driving.
2. Speeding
Driving over the recommended speed limit is another known cause of car accidents. When you speed, you can quickly lose control of your car and crash. Speeding also greatly reduces your time to react to any emergency you may face while driving, and you will probably cause an accident.
Avoid speeding even when you feel that you are going to be late. It can save your life and the lives of other road users.
3. Driving While Intoxicated
Drunk driving is a criminal offense, although it is still a common cause of accidents. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol and other drugs can easily cause accidents because drugs cause improper functioning of your brain. You will be putting many lives in danger any time you are driving under the influence of alcohol.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue is common among truck drivers. Driving long distances can make you tired and feel sleepy. Driving while tired impairs your ability to see clearly and greatly reduces your concentration, and you can easily cause an accident. If you feel tired, it would be wise to rest and drive when you are alert.
5. Careless Driving
Careless driving is mainly associated with breaking the laws of traffic while driving. Behaviors such as changing lanes without checking blind spots and not maintaining a safe distance between other cars are common examples. Driving over the recommended speed limits at specific places is also classified as reckless driving and can lead to accidents.
6. Tailgating
Driving too close behind another car can be dangerous. Tailgating has been a common cause of car crashes for a long time. You can significantly decrease the chances of crashing into another car if you maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Drive Safely
Safe driving includes adhering to all traffic rules and regulations. You can preserve your life and the lives of others by staying alert and focused while driving. You are also likely to avoid trouble with the law if you are alert when driving.