6 common causes of car accidents in the USA and how to dodge them
No one ever expects to be in a car accident, but the unfortunate reality is that they happen all too often. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 6 million car accidents each year in the United States alone.
And while we hope that we never find ourselves in one of these situations, it’s important to be as prepared as possible and understand the measures you can take to avoid them. So today, we’re going to take a look at six of the most common causes of car accidents and what you can do to avoid them.
Distracted Driving
This is easily one of the top causes of car accidents, and distracted driving is one of the main culprits. Whether you’re texting, talking on the phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio, if your attention is not focused on the road then you are much more likely to get into an accident. In Sacramento, reckless driving is a leading cause of car accidents, and according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, it accounts for more than 25% of all traffic fatalities. To avoid accidents caused by reckless driving in Sacramento, be aware of the laws in place and always keep your focus on the road. The best way to do this is to put your phone away and pull it over if you need to eat or talk on the phone.
Speeding
Another major cause of car accidents is speeding. When drivers go too fast, they not only increase their chances of getting into an accident, but they also put other drivers and pedestrians at risk. And in some cases, speeding can even result in criminal charges. In California, for example, the maximum penalty for a conviction of reckless driving is six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. To avoid getting into an accident due to speeding, always obey the speed limit and be aware of your surroundings. Also, if you’re going to be driving in a high-traffic area, be especially cautious and don’t try to push the envelope.
Tailgating
Tailgating is another leading cause of car accidents, and it can be both extremely dangerous and infuriating. When someone is tailgating, they are driving too close to the car in front of them, and this can lead to several problems. If the driver in front breaks suddenly, the person behind them may not have enough time to stop, and this can result in a serious accident. Additionally, tailgating can also lead to road rage incidents. To avoid accidents caused by tailgating, always make sure to leave plenty of room between your car and the car in front of you. If someone is tailgating you, don’t be afraid to pull over and let them pass.
Running Red Lights
One of the most frustrating causes of car accidents is when someone runs a red light. Not only is it illegal and can lead to fines and points on your license, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. When someone runs a red light, they are putting themselves and everyone else in the intersection at risk. To avoid getting into an accident because of someone running a red light, always obey the traffic signals and be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone run a red light, be prepared to take evasive action.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Making an unsafe lane change is another leading cause of car accidents, and it can easily result in a collision. When changing lanes, you should always check your mirrors and signal your intentions. If you see that the lane you want to switch into is already occupied, then you should wait until the other car moves before proceeding. To avoid accidents caused by unsafe lane changes, always make sure to check your mirrors and signal your intentions. Additionally, be aware of the speed limit and only change lanes when it’s safe to do so.
Drunk Driving
Driving while intoxicated is one of the most dangerous things you can do, and it’s also illegal in all 50 states. Drunk drivers are a major hazard on the road, and they can easily cause an accident. In fact, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), drunk drivers are responsible for more than 10,000 deaths each year. To avoid accidents caused by drunk drivers, always refrain from drinking and driving. If you’re going to be drinking, make sure to have a designated driver or take a taxi home.
As you can see, there are several things you can do to avoid getting into a car accident. By being aware of the most common causes of accidents and taking steps to avoid them, you can help keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe. So remember, obey the laws, stay focused on the road, and be aware of your surroundings. And if you do find yourself in an accident, make sure to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.