Statistics indicate that almost 1.3 million people are killed in car crashes each year. Another 20 to 50 million are injured. What causes these crashes, and how can you avoid them? The following information offers information on 10 of the most common causes of auto accidents, and it provides details on where and why victims should find assistance when filing a claim.
Driver Distraction
When people think of distracted driving, their minds typically turn to cell phones. However, there are several other types of distractions that can pull a driver’s attention away from the road. In fact, a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that conversation (either on a cell phone or with a passenger) had caused just 18 percent of all the crashes studied back in 2008. However, inattention and other similar errors were the cause of approximately 41 percent of all crashes. Activities that rest within that disparity include everything from eating while driving to applying makeup or attempting to retrieve an item.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue among drivers is far more common than most people realize. In fact, a study from 1998 indicates that driver fatigue was responsible for at least 20 percent of all crashes at the time. Further studies have found that fatigue can be just as dangerous – if not more so – than alcohol intoxication while behind the wheel.
Road Rage (Aggressive Driving)
Road rage is not just the extreme behavior you hear about on the news. It also includes things like cutting another driver off because they refused to let you merge. It also includes driving behaviors like excessive speeding. Studies suggest this behavior is responsible for approximately 66 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Driver Inexperience
New drivers – and young drivers, in particular – lack the same experience as older, seasoned drivers. They may overcompensate or undercompensate when trying to avoid an animal, or when they make a mistake. They can misjudge turns or mistakenly miss another driver’s turn signal. As such, parents are encouraged to enforce safe driving practices with their teens.
Driver Intoxication
Alcohol impairment behind the wheel claims more than 10, 000 lives each year. Over 1, 000 of those deaths are children. Drugged driving, which can also include the use of pharmaceutical drugs, is also included in the blanket of driver intoxication, but the number of lives claimed by prescription and illicit substances is less clear.
Poor Weather Conditions
Whether it is ice, snow, sleet, rain, fog, or wind, poor weather conditions exponentially increase every road user’s risk of an auto accident. Drivers who are inexperienced, intoxicated, or inattentive are especially dangerous in such conditions, and they may compromise the safety of others. Give yourself extra following space in poor weather, and be on the lookout for dangerous or distracted drivers.
Speeding
Speeding, though technically classified as an aggressive driving behavior, deserves a section all its own. Thought to be a contributing factor in at least 31 percent of all roadway accidents, speeding not only increases one’s risk of an accident, but it also heightens the risk of fatality.
Improper and Illegal Actions at Intersections
Improper and illegal actions at an intersection can include everything from failing to yield when another driver is turning left and has the right-of-way to completely running a stop sign or red light. Such situations are quite common, and these locations are where most crashes occur.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, can place everyone in the line of traffic at risk. In particular, the driver in front may be rear-ended if they must suddenly stop because of wildlife, road debris, or a potential accident up ahead. If you are rear-ended, be sure to speak to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case.
Contact Our Green Bay Car Crash Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. for assistance. Backed by experience and committed to protecting your best interest, our Green Bay car crash injury victims will fight for the most compensation possible. Schedule your personalized consultation to learn more. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811059
http://asirt.org/initiatives/informing-road-users/road-safety-facts/road-crash-statistics
http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/statistics/summaries/fatigue-statistics
http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/road_rage.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/810998