Leading Causes Of Car Accidents

Leading Causes Of Car Accidents

Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are very common and make up a large portion of the personal injury lawsuits in the United States. The majority of car accidents are caused by human error which is often referred to as a person’s negligence. While many accidents are minor with only mild injuries and property damage but unfortunately, many of them cause serious injuries and damage, and even death. Leading causes of car accidents in the United States include but are not limited to: 

Bad Weather and Environmental Changes

Many accidents happen when the weather is bad. This is due to the weather conditions themselves but also, and possibly more so because of a driver not driving with more caution and/or their not being experienced in the conditions. Less experienced drivers often do not know how to respond to certain weather conditions the way drivers that are used to driving in them would. Conditions that often make driving more difficult include dense fog, excessive rain, high winds, snow, ice, flooding,   

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is typically considered the leading cause of car accidents. Distracted driving is when a driver is paying attention to something besides the road and their surroundings 

Driving Under the Influence

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal, largely in part because of the likelihood for someone abilities and judgement impairment to break traffic laws and/or to cause an accident. Even over the counter and prescription drugs that have been taken according to the manufacturer’s and/or doctor’s instructions can impair a person to the point where they should not be driving if they want to avoid the higher likelihood of causing an accident.

Driving in Poor Light

While it is perfectly legal to drive at night and during twilight with proper headlights on, many people have a hard time seeing during these times. Some people can improve their night vision by wearing glasses for driving but for some people, it is not as safe for them to drive in poor light.

Not Adhering to Driving Laws

When a driver fails to adhere to driving laws and to follow traffic signals and warning signs, the likelihood for accidents increase. When drivers go through red lights, fail to come to complete stops at stop signs, do not yield to the driver who has the right of way, change lanes without signalling and making sure it is clear to move, name just a few of the many ways that breaking driving laws cause accidents.

Reckless Driving

Drivers who speed and/or who drive too fast for different than normal weather, road or traffic conditions, who change lanes to close, quick and/or without using their turn indicators, who do dangerous things such as race with other cars, and those who do things to antagonize other drivers, plus other dangerous driving scenarios, often result in car accidents.

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