Unfortunately, car accidents are a common problem in all areas of the United States. There are numerous reasons for collisions, but they can mostly be attributed to driver error.
Many crashes are relatively insignificant, but a great number of accidents cause serious bodily and property damage to those involved.
Continue reading to learn some of the most prevalent causes of car accidents and how you can do your part to avoid these types of collisions.
Reasons for Car Accidents
Distracted Driving
This is the most prevalent reason for car accidents in the U.S. In fact, the threat of distracted driving becomes stronger each year.
For your own safety as well as the safety of others, do your part to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents that occur every year. Avoid all of the following while driving:
- Using your phone
- Eating
- Reading
- Grooming
- Applying makeup
- Any other distracting behaviors
Intoxicated Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous behaviors and causes a significant number of accidents each year.
If you’re intoxicated, don’t drive. Have a sober friend drive or request a taxi or rideshare service.
Speeding
Behind intoxicated driving, speeding is the third leading cause of car accidents. Accidents as a result of speeding often cause immense bodily and property harm.
While it can be tempting to drive above the posted speed limit, it’s not a good idea and should always be avoided.
Reckless Driving
Rapidly changing lanes, speeding, and displaying aggressive behavior are some examples of reckless driving. These actions can easily cause horrific accidents.
Be sure to take your time, try to relax, and avoid risky maneuvers behind the wheel to help avoid being involved in these types of wrecks.
Inclement Weather
You can’t always avoid driving in inclement weather, but it’s a good idea to do so whenever possible.
If you’re unable to effectively see due to low visibility, it’s in your best interest to pull over and wait until the storm dies down.
Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals
You already know you need to stop at red lights, but people run red lights all the time.
Don’t run red lights or stop signs. Be sure to yield when necessary. Respect the right-of-way. Be safe and courteous to all those around you and pay attention to road markings, traffic signs, and signals.
Driving at Night
It’s no secret that driving at night poses significantly more challenges than driving during the day. Reduced visibility makes driving at night much more difficult.
Be sure that you’re extra alert and aware of your surroundings when driving at night. Your headlights should be on, and if you’re on a dark rural road without many other vehicles, turn on your bright headlights. However, be sure to switch back to your standard headlights when other vehicles are visible.
Tailgating
You’re tailgating when you’re driving too close to the car in front of you. This is extremely dangerous because if the car ahead needs to come to a panic stop, you won’t be able to safely slow down and stop without colliding.
Even if the car ahead of you is going slower than the posted speed limit, you need to respect their boundaries and avoid tailgating at all times.
Driving the Wrong Way or Turning Improperly
While it’s true that no one is perfect, certain mistakes can be extremely costly.
Make sure that you’re aware of street signs warning of one-way streets or other anomalies, particularly when you’re in a region you’re unfamiliar with.
Accidents Can Be Avoided
While some accidents are unavoidable, many are avoidable as long as drivers remain alert and attentive. It’s in everyone’s best interest to drive safely in order to avoid accidents.
If you’ve been harmed due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Patrick D. Witherington of Witherington Injury Law is highly skilled in the area of car accident personal injury law and has helped many other people just like you obtain justice.
Let our team see if we can help you obtain justice, too. Don’t hesitate to contact us with the details of your case right away.
Call our experienced Nashville team at Witherington Injury Law today at (615) 697-6503 for a free consultation.