When navigating the roads and highways, you need to look out not only for yourself but also for other drivers and pedestrians. Other people might do odd things, so keeping your eyes peeled and expecting the unexpected can help prevent problems.
Millions of vehicle accidents occur each year in the U.S. In 2022, there were 5.2 million medically consulted injuries due to car accidents. And the total vehicle injury costs added up to an estimated $481.2 billion. That includes wage and productivity hits, administrative costs, medical expenses, employer costs, and vehicle property damage.
Aggressive driving is one of the main causes of car accidents. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg since drivers engage in many bad habits. Continue reading to see five of the biggest reasons for car accidents and what you can do to keep yourself and others safer.
Table of Contents
1. Drunk Driving
Around 37 people die every day in the U.S. in drunk-driving collisions. That works out to one person every 39 minutes. There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel drunk. Getting a ride from a sober friend, calling a cab, or taking an Uber are better options than driving while under the influence. If you drink any alcohol, make plans for getting home so you don’t have to drive.
2. Distracted Driving
In 2022, 3,308 people died because of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The problem with distracted driving is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of this bad habit. If you’re behind the wheel of a car, your attention needs to be solely on operating the vehicle. You can’t become distracted by your phone, passengers, the radio, the GPS, or anything else.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adds that taking your eyes off the road for five seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of traveling the full length of a football field with your eyes shut.
How can you avoid being part of the problem? Focus on driving when you’re behind the wheel.
3. Speeding
According to the Department of Transportation, an estimated 328,946 people were injured in 2021 in speeding-related car accidents. Driving too fast is a main contributor to mayhem on the road. And remember that the posted speed limit is applicable when road conditions are ideal. If the road conditions are compromised by weather or other things, drive slower.
4. Drowsy Driving
In the U.S., north of 6,000 fatal crashes annually may stem from a drowsy motorist. If you’re fatigued, your response time behind the wheel can be drastically reduced. That’s the last thing you need when operating a motor vehicle. When you’re tired, get some rest. Operating a car when you’re drowsy can leave you feeling as impaired as if you consumed too much alcohol.
5. Night Driving
You might not be surprised to hear that most accidents occur at night. But it might be eye-opening to learn that while a mere 9% of driving happens between sunset and sunrise, 49% of all fatal collisions occur between sunset and sunrise. So, your odds of car accidents will drop considerably if you don’t drive during times of the day with low-light conditions.
These are five of the main reasons for car accidents. If you’re hurt in a car accident despite your best efforts to stay safe on the road, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the complex process of filing a compensation claim. Car accidents happen far too often. If it happens to you, you might have to take time off work and do physiotherapy.
A personal injury lawyer will review your situation, determine if you have a case, and help you get what you’re entitled to so you don’t have to struggle post-accident.
