Did you know that motor vehicle safety is among the most primary concerns for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)? According to nationwide accident statistics reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6.4 million car accidents are reported in the U.S. every year, causing more than 36,000 deaths and 2.7 million injuries. What are the underlying causes of these collisions? Let’s find out.
One of the most dangerous things you can do on the road is distracted driving. While texting and driving is a huge distraction, various other acts can lead to visual, manual, and/or cognitive distractions that can easily result in a collision. Some of these actions include eating and drinking, listening to loud music, scanning through radio stations, turning to speak with passengers (like attending to children fighting in the backseat), and rummaging through the vehicle for items while one hand is on the steering wheel.
To minimize the chances of road accidents, try your best to avoid these engagements.
Aggressive driving encompasses different types of driving behaviors, including tailgating, honking endlessly at other drivers, cutting people off, overtaking at turns, and swerving toward another driver. Even if an aggressive driver doesn’t directly collide with another vehicle, their aggressive driving may indirectly lead to an accident as other drivers try to avoid or try to stay safe from this dangerous and erratic conduct.
Driving under the influence is a huge problem around the US. In 2016 alone, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 28 percent of all road accident fatalities, causing 10,497 deaths. While the highest number of DUI cases relate to alcohol consumption, other agents like heroin, prescription oils, cocaine, and marijuana have also been known to cause terrible accidents.
Hence, driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, including strong prescribed medication that causes drowsiness, is not advised.
Rainy or snowy weather can drastically alter road conditions by increasing the chances for slips and skids, hiding large potholes, reducing visibility, and decreasing traction. While it’s best not to drive in the rain, it can be difficult at times to avoid doing so altogether. If you’re already driving while it starts raining, pull over and wait for the rain to subside, if possible. If this isn’t an option, you’ll need to exercise great caution while driving. Drive slow and if a driver behind you thinks you’re wasting time, let them pass by. Unless you’re familiar with a road, don’t drive through pools of water.
Now that you have a fair idea of what usually causes car accidents, you should be in a much better position to ensure safety while on the road. An understanding of these causes should also help you pursue compensation should you face an emergency like this. While an understanding of these causes can help you prove causation in your case, you’ll also need to hire an expert car accident lawyer in Atlanta. Shani O. Brooks is one of the best lawyers in the region. To seek legal advice, reach out today.