What Are the Top 6 Causes of Car Accidents?

If you’ve ever passed a motorist who seems more focused on applying makeup or reading a text message than piloting their vehicle, you may not be surprised to learn that distracted driving tops the list of common car accident causes in the U.S. Each year, millions of motorists are involved in car accidents, with tens of thousands of these individuals suffering severe, life-altering injuries or losing their lives entirely. Read on to learn more about the top 6 causes of car accidents in the U.S.

#1: Distracted Driving

Driving while distracted can cause major issues on the road. Whether it’s looking down at your phone, checking on a child in the back, or messing with the radio, if your eyes are off the road you are putting yourself and your passengers into a potentially dangerous situation. One of the biggest causes of a distracted driving is texting. Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal in Florida.

#2: Drunk or Drugged Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription medications is illegal in all 50 states, but the potential of serious criminal charges isn’t always enough to stop people from getting behind the wheel while they’re impaired. And with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in more than half of all states, it’s tougher than ever for law enforcement officers to crack down on impaired drivers.

#3: Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit can cause a vehicle to take much longer to stop, while combining speeding with distracted or drunk driving can be a recipe for disaster. The few extra seconds between noticing a hazard and acting to avoid it can be enough to cause a crash.

Speeding doesn’t necessarily mean exceeding the speed limit. If road conditions are such that your normal speed wouldn’t allow you enough time to slow or stop your vehicle in the case of a sudden emergency, the safest option is always to reduce your speed.

#4: Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, sleet, snow, fog, and even dust or sand can be enough to diminish visibility and increase your risk of being involved in an auto accident. Not only can inclement weather make it tougher to see the roadway (and any oncoming traffic), but it can reduce traction and make the road dangerously slippery.

#5: Running Red Lights

Those with a habit of pressing on the gas when they see a yellow light could be putting both themselves and others at risk. Not all drivers look both ways once they get a green light, and drivers who are speeding through a red light can collide with one of these vehicles before either motorist even knows what’s going on. Each year, many motorcyclists and bicyclists are struck by red-light runners as well.

#6: Driving at Night

Not all areas are equally well-lit at night, and traveling through an area without streetlights can put drivers at risk of colliding with another person, vehicle, or object in or near the roadway. Even if your vehicle’s headlights are in good working condition, the fact of the matter is that you just can’t see as well at night. Certain vision conditions like nearsightedness and astigmatism can make driving at night even more difficult.

The Bradenton Personal Injury Law firm of Gallagher and Hagopian can help you with all your post-accident legal needs. Visit our website today to learn more about the services our experienced personal injury attorneys can offer.