At Kimmel Carter, we have nearly 50 years of experience with personal injury cases. Over this
time, it has become clear what the leading causes of vehicle accidents are. Below, find the top 5 reasons for car accidents, and the steps you can take to be a safe driver.
1. Distracted Driving
This is the most common cause of car accidents. It is crucial to keep focused on the road, and not talking on your cell phone, texting, or browsing social media while driving. Distracted driving is not limited to being on your smartphone, however. Distracted driving includes doing anything that takes your attention away from the road. This includes turning on the radio, applying makeup, eating, and lighting a cigarette. It is crucial to remain focused on the road, and if you must text, call, or change the radio, pull over to the side of the road safely.
2. Drunk Driving Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous causes of accidents in the United States. With the availability of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, there is no excuse to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Speeding Although it can be tempting to push the speed limit when you are running late, speeding is the second most common cause of accidents. Speeding also limits reaction time to any changes in road conditions and is even more dangerous in bad weather. Not allowing enough reaction time predisposes the driver to poor judgement. Speeding is never worth the risk. At the minimum, you will be pulled over, and be delayed even further.
4. Poor Judgement Poor judgement encompasses many situations. For example, if you are speeding and cannot slowdown in time, you could run a red light. Other examples of poor judgement include prematurely pulling out in front of another vehicle and changing lanes without checking your side-view mirrors, blind spot, and rear-view mirror. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings on the road and pay full attention to the road conditions and other drivers.
5. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving is defined as any driving behavior that places other drivers or property in danger through a willful action without regard to safety. Anything from tailgating to using inappropriate gestures to other drivers is considered aggressive behavior. Other examples include weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, honking, passing on the shoulder, brake-checking, and flashing headlights. The best way to avoid aggressive driving is to give yourself ample time to arrive at your destination, be calm and to never engage with others if they are driving excessively.
Click here to learn more about aggressive driving statistics in the United States
With these tips, we hope to keep the road safe for everyone. However, if you have been injured in a car accident, the experienced lawyers at Kimmel, Carter, Roman, Peltz, & O’Neill are here to help.
