There is no denying the fact that car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence worldwide. Every day, the lives of many people are changed forever by car accidents. Whether it is their own fault or somebody else’s fault, these events can be devastating. So, what are some main causes of motor vehicle accidents?
The leading causes of car accidents vary depending on where you live and what type of motor vehicle you drive. Sadly, some of the developing countries have the highest rate of car accidents. We now discuss some of the main cause of motor vehicle accidents.
Speeding
Driving too fast is a major cause of car accidents no matter what part of the world you live in.
Speeding does not always mean that a driver exceeds the maximum speed limit. Instead, you can speed even if you are within the limit. For instance, if the condition of a particular road is too poor to drive fast, driving at the maximum speed limit might be considered speeding. An example is where there has been a heavy downfall of rain in an area where there has not been rain for some time which brings the oil that has accumulated on the road to the service making it slippery and as a result dangerous.
Therefore, you have to consider the overall environment before deciding the ideal speed for any particular road.
Distracted Driving
You might be surprised to know that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Many people have been injured or killed because of a driver not paying attention to the road.
Below are some common forms of distracted driving that occur most regularly:
Usage of Mobile Phones
People get tickets for speaking on their phones and texting every day, but many still continue to take the risk of a fine or worse causing a car accident. This is extremely dangerous because it can take your eyes off the road and your hands off the steering wheel.
Using social media applications while driving can be even more dangerous as you have to look at your phone for longer to see what and where you are typing, taking your eyes off the road for several seconds.
Eating
Another form of distracted driving is eating while driving. This is dangerous because it takes your hands off the steering wheel, which can cause you to drift or swerve into another lane if you are not paying attention. You should eat before you depart on your journey or pull over and park before consuming your meal.
Navigation System
Using a navigation system is another form of distracted driving. GPS systems are not okay to use while driving. You should enter the necessary destination into your navigation system before you depart and pull over to a safe place and stop if you need to make any changes.
Whilst driving you should ensure that your attention is fully on the road at all times to keep you, your passengers and other road users as safe as possible by reducing the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident happening. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident you might need to instruct motor vehicle accident lawyers to assist you with your claim for compensation. You should conduct research to find a suitable personal injury lawyer to assist you.
Intoxicated Driving
Intoxicated driving means driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving while intoxicated by any substance is a significant problem that causes many fatal accidents worldwide.
If you do decide to drink alcohol you should not get behind the wheel. You should nominate a designated driver to drive everyone home at the end of the night or take a taxi or Uber. If you are close to home the safest option might be to walk.
Seatbelts
Wearing a seatbelt does not prevent you from being involved in a car accident. However, if you are involved in a car accident the likelihood of you being injured or worse is significantly reduced. This is why in many countries it is an offence not to wear a seatbelt when you are travelling in a motor vehicle.
Tired Driving
Driving when tired is extremely dangerous. Not only are your senses impaired and your reaction times reduced you are at risk of having a microsleep and veering off the road. To avoid car accidents due to tired driving, drivers should ensure they get enough sleep before going on a long road trip.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions are responsible for causing many car accidents. Poor weather conditions include snowstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding. This is because bad weather conditions lead to reduced visibility, which is one of the major reasons for car accidents. Furthermore rain, snow and sleet on the road can make it slippery and therefore dangerous.
Young Drivers
Sadly, young people are the most likely to have a car accident and suffer injury or death on the road. Such young drivers often do not have enough experience behind the wheel, so they tend to make mistakes that lead to car accidents. The key to changing this situation is ensuring that young drivers are educated about the risks of driving and taught to drive as safely as possible to reduce the chance of them being involved in a car accident.
Running Traffic Signals
Last but not least, running traffic signals is another major cause of car accidents. Many drivers have a habit of rushing to the intersections and running a red light as they don’t want to have to stop and wait. This impatient behaviour contributes to many tragic accidents annually.
We hope that we have enlightened you as to the risks of driving and some of the main causes of car accidents in the hope that you will become a more careful driver and therefore be less likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes injury or loss of life. Belt up and drive safely. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
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