There are many potential causes of car accidents, but some occur more often than others and are caused by a driver's negligence. The t...
There are many potential causes of car accidents, but some occur more often than others and are caused by a driver's negligence. The top 5 causes of car accidents include speeding, distracted driving, texting while driving, drunk driving, and failing to yield the right of way.
1. Speeding
One of the top causes of accidents on an annual basis is speeding, which is a factor in about one-third of motor vehicle fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Speeding can cause accidents in a number of ways. For instance, it can increase the driver's potential to lose control of the vehicle. Speeding also reduces drivers' reaction time if he or she encounters dangerous conditions or situations. Speeding increases the impact suffered in accidents, which subsequently leads to more severe injuries in many cases.
While drivers should travel at posted speed limits in most cases, even these limits may be too high if road conditions are unusually unsafe. If roads are icy or other hazards are present, for example, drivers may need to slow down to speeds under those posted. Failing to follow speed limit laws can lead to serious motor vehicle accidents.
2. Texting While Driving
With the advent of text messaging came a new danger on a par with other forms of distracted driving: texting while driving. Cell phone use while driving isn't limited to text messaging, either, as it can apply to checking social media updates, browsing the internet, and other types of mobile device use.
Even if it seems like sending a text is nearly instantaneous, as little as five seconds can leave plenty of room for accidents to take place, particularly at high speeds. When people use mobile devices while driving, brain activity directed toward the driving task is reduced by around 37%, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute.
3. Distracted Driving
In addition to texting, there are other ways drivers can become distracted while driving, also leading to accidents.
Some distractions that drivers experience include:
Cell phone use, including talking without a hands-free device
Speaking or otherwise interacting with passengers in the vehicle
Eating or drinking in the vehicle
Interacting with the dashboard, including GPS units or audio systems
To avoid potential accidents resulting from distracted driving, it is necessary for drivers to pay attention to the road at all times.
4. Drunk Driving
Another leading cause of accidents is drunk driving or driving while intoxicated. Alcohol and other drugs can impair a person's judgment, reaction time, physical coordination, and decision-making abilities. This impairment often leads to deadly accidents.
It's in everyone's best interest to avoid driving while drunk or otherwise intoxicated. Instead, people should contact a taxi company or use a ride-sharing app for transportation to keep themselves and others safe.
5. Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers always need to yield the right of way on the road. These "right of way" rules are integral to maintaining a consistent and safe traffic flow, but many drivers fail to adhere to them and frequently cause accidents that are otherwise entirely avoidable.
When yielding the right of way, drivers are required to obey all traffic signs, stop for pedestrians and cyclists, stop at traffic lights, and turn only when it's safe to make a turn. Any failure to yield the right of way puts the driver and others at risk, and other law-abiding drivers are not likely to anticipate another driver's violation of "right of way" rules in time to avoid an accident.
Each of these causes is responsible for thousands of accidents every year, many of which involve serious injuries and fatalities. Drivers should always remain attentive, alert, and diligent to avoid potential accidents
