Car accidents are one of the most stressful things that can happen to us. It’s not just the shock and trauma from the collision itself, it’s also what comes after. The injuries, property damages, lost wages, and insurance claims only add to that stress, making the experience quite overwhelming.
Though not all car accidents can be avoided, many are indeed avoidable if you understand the common causes. That’s why today we are providing a list of the main causes of car accidents so you can avoid this experience by being a lot more aware while you’re on the road.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is by far the most common cause of car accidents. When your attention is not solely focused on driving, you are opening yourself to many possibilities for disaster.
Distracted driving can take many forms; for example, you can be distracted by your phone, your passengers, food, music, or even the things outside of your car, etc.
The only thing you should be focusing on while you’re behind the wheel is getting to your destination safely; everything else can wait. And if it can’t wait, find somewhere to park.
Distracted driving often results from drivers looking away from the road and into their car screens and infotainment systems for changing songs or radio stations. By using RARBG mirror, you can download music files and create your own playlists that will prevent you from reaching out to the infotainment screen every single time!
2. Drunk Driving
Though we know that drinking and driving don’t mix, many people still get behind the wheel after a few drinks because they think they can handle it.
However, they are putting themselves and others at risk. Alcohol dulls the senses and cognitive functions, which means your decision-making capabilities and reaction times are compromised.
Whenever you drink, make sure you get someone sober to drive you home or get a taxi and come back for your vehicle the next day.
3. Driving Over the Speed Limit
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents because sometimes it’s easy to go over the speed limit. However, you need to remember that the faster you go, the slower your reaction time will be.
That means you won’t be able to prevent an accident even if you can clearly see it coming.
By the time you want to do something about it, it will be too late. That’s why you need to respect speed limits and be a responsible driver.
4. Driving Recklessly
Reckless driving is a lot more common than we’d like it to be. Cutting drivers off, tailgating, going in and out of traffic, etc. These are things that can lead to car accidents very quickly. Those who have unfortunately experienced a car crash often contact a motor vehicle accident injury lawyer Perth for claims assistance.
It’s not uncommon to find these kinds of drivers on the road. So, if you do, keep your distance and call 911 if you think it’s necessary.
Needless to say, you should avoid reckless driving practices when you’re operating a motor vehicle. You will get to your destination when you get there, safety matters most.
5. Dangerous Weather
Weather is not something we can control, but we can avoid it if it poses a risk to our driving. Rain is particularly dangerous because the water makes the road slippery and it can affect your control of the car.
If you are caught in a rainstorm, be extra careful when you’re driving. Don’t speed and avoid sudden movements because your tyres may not be sticking to the road.
Whenever you can, avoid driving in dangerous weather, not just rainstorms, but also snowstorms or any kind of weather that can compromise your abilities and senses.
6. Driving at Night
Not many people are aware of it, but driving at night increases the chances of getting in a car accident.
Why? Because it’s difficult to see the road ahead and it also compromises your ability to see who’s coming at you from the sides.
Driving at night requires you to be extra focused and extra cautious, so make sure you heighten your senses.
7. Running Intersections
Running stop signs and red lights is one of the most common causes of car accidents, as you can imagine. Red lights and stop signs are there for a reason.
They are not suggestions, they are orders. So, when you see the light turning yellow, slow down instead of speeding up.
Also, fight the temptation of running stop signs even if you’re close to home or you don’t see anyone else on the road. It will only take 10 seconds!
8. Vehicle Issues
If you become aware of any vehicle issues, you need to make sure you handle them before you go on the road.
Cars need to be taken care of and well maintained, otherwise, they won’t provide the security they are meant to.
Make sure you do regular maintenance to your car so you can catch any issues long before they become a major problem that can be life-threatening on the road.
9. Inexperienced Drivers
Teenagers are inexperienced drivers and that makes them more dangerous on the road than anyone would like to believe.
When you first learn how to drive, there’s a lot going on and you don’t yet have the skills to react to unexpected situations.
That’s why teenagers cause car accidents every day. Whenever you see someone young in control of a vehicle, give them space and don’t make them feel pressured.
10. Improper Turns
Improper turns are another common cause of car accidents, so it’s not recommended that you cut across lanes.
Whenever you’re approaching an intersection, make sure you’re in the appropriate lane for the direction you’re going.
If you’re not in the appropriate lane, keep going straight until you can find a safe way to turn around. That is much safer than cutting lanes, even if there’s no one around; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
These are only a few of the most common causes of car accidents, but you should also be mindful of wrong-way driving, defects in the design of your vehicle, unsafe lane changes, and more.
Most car accidents can be avoided by making better choices and paying more attention to the road. If you do that, you will keep yourself, your loved ones, and other people safe while you’re behind the wheel.
