Common Reasons for Car Crashes
No one is immune to car accidents; if you’ve been injured in a serious car accident, contact our San Diego car accident lawyers for advice today. More importantly, if you drive at all brush up on your safety skills with our advice below!
Learn the top 20 causes of car accidents around the U.S. to improve your safety and that of your passengers:
Drunk Drivers
Drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol contribute to thousands of car accidents every year. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit in California is 0.08%, but one drink can be enough to impair a driver. Prevent these accidents by never drinking and driving.
Distracted Drivers
According to a survey, about 41% of critical reasons for all crashes within one year were driver recognition errors such as inattention and distraction. Prevent this type of accident by focusing 100% of your attention on the road.
Vehicle Passengers
Passengers cause a number of these accidents by chatting with or otherwise distracting the driver. If passengers distract you, ask them not to talk to you while driving.
Incompetent Drivers
In the same survey, 34% of accidents were due to driver decision errors. Inexperienced, incompetent, and reckless drivers are dangerous. Don’t overestimate your driving abilities, especially if you’re new to the task. New drivers are also vulnerable due to their inexperience; check out award-winning teaching resources for parents and teen drivers.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive drivers can be unpredictable, speeding and weaving through traffic. They present dangers to everyone else on the roadway. Stay away from aggressive drivers, and do not answer violence with violence.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common factors in car accidents. Speed limits exist to protect you as a driver. Always drive at a safe speed for roadway conditions.
Drowsy Driving
Drivers often overestimate their ability to drive tired, failing to realize they are unfit to drive until it’s too late. Pull over and rest if you feel too drowsy to drive safely.
Running Red Lights
Negligent drivers may run red lights or roll through stop signs if they think they can get away with it. This practice is extremely dangerous and can cause T-bone accidents. Always obey road signs and signals.
Driving at Night
Don’t drive at night if you have trouble making out the road, other vehicles, and signs. Driving at night is also more dangerous due to the increased risk of drunk drivers.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Don’t rely on just your mirrors when making lane changes. You could have a dangerous blind spot. Instead, look in your mirrors and over your shoulder before switching lanes.
Wrong-Way Drivers
Wrong-way drivers are often under the influence of drugs and alcohol or running from cops. Watch the road far ahead to avoid wrong-way drivers, and always read signs carefully to avoid going the wrong direction on a one-way.
Tailgating
Never drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you. If you need to pass, wait until it is safe to do so and switch lanes. Tailgating can lead to a rear-end collision.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Drivers who fail to maintain their windshield, windows, lights, brakes, and other vehicle components pose threats. Vehicle maintenance issues can lead to hazardous conditions, such as not being able to see through a dirty windshield. Always keep your vehicle properly maintained.
Vehicle Part Failures
A poorly maintained car is at higher risk of part failures, such as a tire blowout or bad brakes. Take your vehicle for routine maintenance by a professional mechanic to avoid these problems.
Defective Vehicle Parts
Sometimes part failures aren’t the vehicle owner’s fault – they came defective or dangerous from the manufacturer. Check for recall announcements on your vehicle make, model, and year to avoid driving with a defect.
Hazardous Roadway Condition
Learn how to drive in rain, ice, and fog to prepare for any type of roadway condition. Slick or icy roads can lead to deadly accidents.
Animals on the Road
If an animal runs into the road, don’t panic. Pump or press your brakes to slow your vehicle at a safe pace. If the animal is small enough not to cause damage to you or your vehicle, it’s better to strike it than to swerve and endanger your own life.
Poor Roadway Maintenance
Construction debris, loose gravel, fallen trees, and potholes are all examples of roadway elements that could cause an accident. Scan the road far ahead of your vehicle to prevent these collisions.
Roadway Geometry
Some roadways have poor designs that make them dangerous for drivers. If you encounter such a road, speak to your municipal city planner about making a change.
Atmospheric Conditions
If you don’t feel comfortable driving in heavy rain or snow, stay home. Poor weather can make it difficult or impossible to see the road and maintain control of your vehicle.