VWB Blog Imagine you are driving home after a long day of work, and you are tired, thinking of what you need to do when you get home, when all of a sudden, you hear a loud screech and crunching metal behind you.
You were just in a car accident!
Learn more about the five most common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them so you never have to experience such a frightening situation.
1. Unsafe Driving Practices
When a driver operates their vehicle in an unsafe manner, they pose a threat to not only themselves but to all other drivers around them. Common unsafe driving practices include speeding, reckless driving, speeding in bad weather conditions, tailgating, and driving distracted.
Each of these can lead to the driver making a mistake or losing control of their vehicle. Speeding can cause cars to go too fast for certain road conditions, making avoiding other drivers or objects difficult. Reckless driving can also lead to collisions and other dangerous situations.
Similarly, tailgating makes it so that the driver does not have enough time to react, which can lead to rear-end collisions. If you ever get into an accident, seeking legal help immediately is necessary.
2. Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can include obscuring weather, like heavy rains and storms, which can cause dangerous flooding. Poor pavement and construction can lead to potholes, cracks, or dips in the road—all of which can compromise the driver’s ability to stay in their lane or safely follow their intended instructions.
It can also compromise visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or obstacles. Drivers on roads with humps, dips, or tight turns should take it slow and watch out for other drivers speeding around obstructions.
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes activities such as talking on a cell phone, texting, eating and drinking, attending to children in the car, or even putting on makeup while driving. It has been shown that when taking your eyes off the road for even five seconds, your risk of being involved in a crash dramatically increases.
Distracted driving makes it more difficult to judge speed and distance on the road, leading to drivers missing red lights or failing to obey road rules. This is why being attentive and focused when behind the wheel is so important.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment, and motor skills, and can lead to devastating accidents. It is a completely preventable tragedy and one that is punished harshly by the law.
Every driver should stay sober to protect themself and others on the road from the severe consequences of a DUI.
5. Mechanical Failures
Mechanical problems with brakes, steering, tires, and suspension can all lead to serious car crashes. Improperly maintained or faulty parts can fail suddenly and unexpectedly, resulting in a vehicle losing control and colliding with others. Tire blowouts, steering failure, and brake failure can all occur if they are not regularly checked and serviced.
Too often, drivers are unaware of an issue until it’s too late. This makes it all the more important for vehicle owners to inspect their vehicles regularly to check for any irregularities.
Avoiding the Causes of Car Accidents
Road accidents are a major cause of injury and death. By understanding the main causes of car accidents, drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of an accident occurring. Drive safe and stay safe!
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