The Causes of Car Accidents: A Quick Guide
There were over 30,000 fatal car crashes in the United States in 2019. And that's not including crashes where people were injured.
But, how do car crashes occur? What causes them? Read on to learn about the most common causes of car accidents.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence isn't just a crime — it's also extremely dangerous. It doesn't matter what substance you're using, driving under the influence impairs your ability to drive safely.
But, you don't have to be under the influence to be distracted when you're driving. Texting and driving is also a major cause of accidents. That's why so many states have passed laws making it illegal.
Other people in your car can also distract you from the task you have on hand. Especially when you're new to driving, it's important to reduce the number of distractions on hand.
If you're involved in an accident, whether you're at fault or not, you'll want to look into hiring a lawyer. This is especially true if you need compensation for car accident injuries. Make sure you know what questions to ask your attorney before you sit down with them.
Exhaustion
Lots of people drive after a long day at work. But, when you drive when you're exhausted, you risk getting in a car crash.
Studies show that driving when you're exhausted can be just as dangerous as driving when you've been drinking alcohol. If you think you're too tired to drive, take a nap or call a taxi to drive you home.
Speeding
Lots of people like to drive fast, but roads have speed limits for a reason. They're so people don't end up losing control of their vehicles and crash into one another.
This makes driving too quickly one of the most common auto accident causes. Always follow the speed limit carefully, and don't go over or under the speed limit.
Weather
Human error doesn't have to be the cause of a car accident. Bad weather conditions can be a major issue for drivers. When it gets cold and wet, black ice can form on the road.
Rain and snow in themselves can cause problems with your cars' traction and make your car spin out. That's why it's important to get winter or all-season tires during the winter months.
Wind can also be dangerous while you're driving. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to tornados.
If there's a wind warning and you need to drive, always stay a safe distance away from other cars. Check the roads carefully, and avoid power lines or other debris.
Causes of Car Accidents: Now You Know
Clearly, there are many causes of car accidents that you'll need to watch out for. And, there's only so much you can control. But, it's important to be vigilant and do your best to stay safe.
Do you need more health and safety tips? Check out a few of our other articles for everything you need to know.