Since getting into a car accident can be such a life-changing ordeal, it’s important that you get to know the leading car cash causes. When you get to know the causes of a car wreck, you will be in a better position to avoid it.
Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents that you should be aware of.
1. Texting and Driving
The advent of technology makes people more dependent and even addicted to their mobile devices. If you’re using them while you drive, it only spells trouble.
Studies show that if you have your eyes on your phone for 5 seconds when driving at 55 miles per hour, you will have traveled the length of a football field by the time you put your eyes back on the road. As you might imagine, a lot of life-threatening events can take place within the span of those 5 seconds.
This is why there are so many texting and driving laws now on the books in several states.
2. Speeding When Driving
So many deadly accidents could become less serious if drivers simply slow their speed. In fact, many crashes could be avoided altogether.
It’s harder to maintain control of your vehicle and attentiveness to your surroundings when you’re driving over the speed limit. The best thing you can do is to observe the speed limit at all times and make sure that you maintain stopping distances. Keep your vehicle in great condition so that you are able to brake and control your vehicle at all times.
3. Distractions While Driving
Make sure that you also cut down other distractions that you are likely to experience when you drive. Messing around with the center console to change settings or stations while you drive can cause you to take your eyes off the road. You may also get distracted by eating when you drive or playing your music too loudly.
Keep your eyes on the road and eliminate as many distractions as possible for your health and safety.
4. Drinking and Driving
Alcohol is a leading cause of several accidents each and every day. A person’s ability to control their vehicle and drive safely dips significantly when they’ve had alcohol.
Never push your luck by drinking and driving. Several people take this risk because they feel that they didn’t have that much and that they can still control themselves. It’s never worth it, both from a legal and safety point of view.
5. Weather Conditions
Finally, you’re far more likely to get into a crash when the weather is poor. Precipitation that makes the roadways slick will cause you to skid and make it more difficult to stop. Ice and rain can cause you to spin out and lose control of your vehicle altogether.
Proceed with caution when the weather is bad, and stay off the road when at all possible.
If you just crashed, it’s important that you get your vehicle out of harm’s way, call up emergency responders, and document as much about the situation as you can.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Now that you see the most common causes of car accidents, you will be better able to handle yourself on the road. Car accidents are costly and dangerous, so avoid them when at all possible.
Consider these tips and start protecting yourself when you drive.
