Being involved in a car accident can result in numerous unwanted consequences, such as loss of earnings and permanent injuries. No matter where you live in the United States, it’s important that you have full control over your vehicle when on the road.
Understanding the causes of car accidents can help you learn preventative measures to reduce your chances of getting into one yourself. With that in mind, here are 5 of the most common causes of car accidents.
Distracted Driving
The most common cause of car accidents in the United States is down to distracted driving. With the vast majority of us owning a cell phone, many motorists make the mistake of taking their eye off the road to talk on their phone, send a text message, or even scroll through social media. Food is another distraction that should be avoided. Your full attention should be on the road ahead, so make sure to limit any distractions that can hinder your concentration levels.
Drunk Driving
When you have consumed alcohol, you will lose the ability to function and focus properly, making it incredibly dangerous to operate a vehicle. Driving under the influence causes numerous car accidents each day, even though they are one of the most common causes that can be avoided. If you have had a drink, it’s always best to call a cab, rather than putting yourself and others on the road at risk.
Speeding
If you have driven on a highway before, you are bound to see motorists speeding on a daily basis. Many drivers turn a blind eye to the speed limit and end up driving 10, 20 and even 30mph over the limit. There are many excuses that motorists come up with, but no matter what, speed kills. The faster you drive, the less reaction time you have, so to prevent being involved in an auto accident, it’s crucial that you adhere to the speed limit.
Reckless Driving
If you do not drive carefully, you could find yourself in a collision. Car accidents can occur when reckless drivers decide to speed, tailgate, or change lanes too quickly. A key trait to have as a driver is patience. Traffic is inevitable wherever you go, so taking extra care on the road and being in a positive mindset will help reduce the risk of being in a car accident.
Bad Weather Conditions
Driving in severe weather conditions like a storm or hurricane will put you at immediate risk of being in a car accident. Heavy wind and rain can result in dangerous surfaces for cars, motorcycles, and trucks. If you must drive in bad weather, make sure that you pay extra care and attention to what’s behind you and the road ahead.
Even if you have taken all the safety tips listed above on board, another driver on the road could be to blame for a car accident. If you have been involved in an accident, it’s important that you find a Miami car accident lawyer who can help you win your case.
Being involved in a car accident can have a huge impact on your mental and physical wellbeing, as well as your quality of life, so following all the preventive measures can help minimize the chances of you being in a collision.