Did you know that about 3,640 people died due to car accidents in April 2023 alone? With so much traffic on the road every day, car accidents may be inevitable sometimes.
Driving involves a lot more than just understanding traffic signs and other cars on the road. Auto collision is a risk every driver has to face. Always keep safe driving habits in mind to prevent having an accident or triggering a chain reaction.
Here are some of the most common causes of road accidents. Let this be your warning to be extra cautious.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions. It can be caused by several things, including a lack of sleep, drugs, and underlying medical disorders.
Driver fatigue includes yawning, difficulty keeping your eyes open, delayed reaction times, and poor decision-making. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to pull over and rest.
Make sure you get adequate sleep before getting behind the wheel to avoid driver tiredness. If you’re taking drowsy medications, make sure to read the label and stick to the suggested dosage. And if you have an underlying health condition that could cause fatigue, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to best manage it.
If you have been injured, you may file a claim. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you recover any financial loss.
Speeding Drivers
When a driver is speeding, they have a lower chance of being able to stop in time if they are cut off or if there is a roadblock. Speeding can cause a vehicle to lose control and makes it more difficult to steer around curves.
If you are involved in an accident with a speeding driver, you can call the police and file a report. This will document the incident and may help prosecution if the driver is caught.
Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. These people can provide valuable testimony if the case goes to court.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Often, injuries from road accidents don’t manifest immediately but can become worse over time.
Distracted Driving
The most prevalent distraction while driving is texting. Other activities that can be distracting behind the wheel include eating, drinking, grooming, reading, using a navigation system, and watching a video.
It’s important to know how dangerous it is to drive while distracted and take steps to avoid it. If you have to use your phone while driving, use hands-free tools or pull over to a safe place first. And always keep your attention on the road ahead so you can react to any potential hazards.
Malfunctioning Parts
Some of the most common parts that can fail are the brakes, tires, and steering. If any of these parts fail, it can be very difficult to control the car and avoid an accident.
If you think that any of your car parts may be failing, it is important to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it before it causes any serious damage or puts you in danger.
Following Too Closely or Tailgating
Another cause of vehicle collisions is following too closely. When you tailgate, you decrease the amount of time you have to react to a sudden stop or other hazard. You also make it more difficult for the driver behind you to see, increasing the chances of an accident.
If you’re following too closely and someone cuts in front of you, don’t try to swerve around them. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with oncoming traffic. Instead, brake slowly and steadily until you’ve regained a safe following distance.
If you’re being tailgated, don’t panic. Brake slowly and move over to let the other driver pass when it’s safe to do so. And if they continue tailgating you after you’ve moved over, call the police.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes are one of the main causes of car collisions on the road. Being aware of your surroundings is key. Making sure to check for oncoming traffic before cutting in front of another vehicle.
Always speak up if you feel another driver is going to switch lanes without signaling, as this can lead to a potential collision. Always use your turn signals to let other drivers know what you plan to do, and be aware of their signals too.
When approaching an intersection, be aware of any unexpected hazards that may cause you to suddenly veer out of your lane. Lastly, try to stay with the flow of traffic and avoid driving too close to other vehicles.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather is one of the leading causes of car accidents. The best way to avoid an accident in poor weather is to slow down and be extra cautious.
If you must drive in poor weather, make sure your vehicle is in good working order and that you have the proper tires for the conditions. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so that you don’t have to rush.
Intoxicated or Impaired Driving
Operating a car while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, such as marijuana, is an example of substance-impaired driving. The effects of intoxication impair cognitive abilities, making the affected person unable to make responsible and safe decisions when operating a vehicle.
To minimize the number of these car collisions, it is important to promote responsible and legal behavior on the roads. Drivers should plan and designate a driver who is not intoxicated to get to their destination safely.
If no designated driver is available, utilize public transportation or other transportation services to avoid putting the safety of yourself and others at risk. All drivers should be educated on the dangers of impaired driving and the legal consequences associated with it.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Road rage is when a driver gets angry and frustrated behind the wheel. This can happen when another driver cuts them off, tailgates them, or does something else that annoys them.
Road rage can cause drivers to lose control and make poor decisions. They may speed up, make sudden lane changes, or even get out of their car to confront the other driver.
Aggressive driving is when a driver deliberately tries to harm or scare another person on the road. This can involve speeding, tailgating, honking, making obscene gestures, and more. Like road rage, aggressive driving can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
If you find yourself getting angry or frustrated while driving, it’s important to take a step back and calm down. Pull over if you need to and take a few deep breaths before getting back on the road.
If someone is driving aggressively toward you, do your best to stay calm and avoid conflict. Call 911 if necessary but try not to engage with the other driver as this could escalate the situation.
Poor Visibility From Road Hazards
Poor visibility is one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions and can be caused by several road hazards. Poor visibility can make it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in the road, and can lead to collisions.
Some common causes of poor visibility include:
- Fog
- Rain
- Snow
- Dust storms
- Fire smokes
To overcome these obstructions, turn on your headlights or fog lamps. This will help you see, and be seen by, other drivers. Slow down because speeding in poor visibility conditions is extremely dangerous.
Be extra cautious at intersections and crosswalks. Watch for stopped or slow-moving vehicles ahead of you, and be prepared to stop if necessary. Use your windshield wipers and defroster as needed to keep your windshield clear.
Unfamiliarity With the Roadway
When you’re driving in an unfamiliar area or when road conditions have changed, you might get into a motor vehicle accident with another car or object. To avoid this hurdle, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
Plan your route ahead of time and take your time following the directions. If you’re not sure where you’re going, don’t be afraid to ask for directions.
Road conditions can change suddenly, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see a change in the road ahead, slow down and be prepared to stop. Never assume that other drivers will see the same hazard and know what to do.
Avoid Auto Collision Today
Car accidents are the leading cause of death today. Common causes of auto collision include driver fatigue, speeding drivers, distracted driving, malfunctioning parts, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, poor weather conditions, intoxicated/impaired driving, road rage/aggressive driving, poor visibility from road hazards, and unfamiliarity with the roadway.
Make sure to follow safety protocols such as wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and being alert at intersections. Take these steps seriously if you want to stay safe on the road.
