Auto accidents range in severity from minor fender benders to catastrophic accidents. While there are multiple reasons accidents occur, many of them can be avoided. Understanding the four main reasons for auto accidents will help drivers to easily avoid them so their risks of accidents decrease dramatically.
Statistics on Auto Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around six-million auto accidents occur each year. Unfortunately, not all drivers are proactive, and their actions can lead to serious accidents. Those who have been injured in a serious accident need to see Injury Hotline here today.
4 Causes of Auto Accidents That Can Be Avoided
While there are multiple causes of auto accidents, there are four that can be easily avoided. Being aware of these common causes will help drivers to stay safe on the roads and avoid accidents and the serious injuries that often result.
- Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for auto accidents. Today, there are more driver distractions than ever before. With smartphones, driver distraction is dramatically increased. Many states are enacting laws that prevent drivers from using their cell phones while driving.
- Drunk driving is another common reason for auto accidents. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence can lead to deadly outcomes. If a person has had too much to drink, they should call a cab, a friend, or an Uber.
- Speed plays a big role in causing auto accidents. Speed limits are put in place for a reason, but they are the most abused rules of the road. Simply reducing speed can dramatically reduce auto accident rates. Many states are cracking down on speeders, especially in road construction zones.
- Car crashes also commonly occur due to reckless driving. When individuals drive with a blatant disregard to the rules of the road, they can cause life-altering injuries and deaths. Reckless driving is something every driver can avoid.
Avoiding the above four causes of auto accidents is fairly simple. It only takes one negligent move to cause an accident, and once the crunch of metal occurs, it cannot be undone.
Drive with Safety in Mind
Keeping away from distractions and focusing on following the rules of the road helps to prevent auto accidents. If every driver would heed the rules and remain focused, the number of accidents would be significantly reduced.
Avoiding distractions means putting the cell phone away and avoiding taking your eyes off the road. If distractions are occurring, it would be wise to pull over to a safe spot until your full attention can be placed on the road again.
Being proactive means practicing vehicle safety at all times. Being aware of other drivers and watching for problem areas will help you to avoid making mistakes that lead to accidents. Avoiding accidents is a smart move that not only protects lives, it also helps save you money on car insurance.
Conclusion
It takes a great amount of concentration and a full understanding of the rules of the road for accidents to be avoided. Now that you know the above most common reasons for auto accidents, you can be more careful in your driving practices.
When driving, always take your time and remain patient. Staying calm will help you to avoid driving recklessly so you are always able to remain in control while behind the wheel.
