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What are some common causes of car accidents?

On Behalf of | May 3, 2018 | Car Accidents

Thousands of people across the U.S. are killed in traffic accidents every year, several hundred in Kentucky alone. Several thousand more people are injured in accidents. The saddest comment on these statistics is that many of them could likely be prevented.

The reasons for these crashes is no surprise. Huffington Post notes that one of the top causes of vehicle accidents is distracted driving, a topic that has gained increasing attention over the past few decades as cell phone and in-car technologies have increased in popularity. Along with phone calls and texting, distracting driving can include anything that takes your attention away from the road. Eating, grooming and reading are included, as are the operation of stereo and other in-car entertainment systems.

Driving after taking drugs or alcohol continues to be high on the list of causes as well, as people continue to take chances with their lives, as well as the lives of others, with dulled perceptions. Speeding, whether on the highway or in-town rivals drunk driving in causing vehicle accidents, followed by reckless driving. Driving recklessly covers a variety of practices such as tailgating, sudden lane changes and additional aggressive driving types. Some other causes making the list include the following:

  • Teen drivers: New drivers may over-correct, panic in unsafe circumstances or become distracted by friends or for another reason.
  • Tire blowouts: A blown tire can cause your car to swerve unexpectedly. If you are driving at high speeds, it could cause a serious accident.
  • Construction zones: Sometimes traffic cones are not laid out well or not well-marked and lane changes, together with road damage, can do a number on any driver.
  • Animal crossings: It is a natural reaction for drivers to swerve and/or hit the brakes when an animal wanders or bounds into the road.
  • Driving errors: Running red lights, entering a one-way street from the wrong direction and wrong turns are among a variety of driver errors that can be the root of an accident.

Staying safe on the road is a conscious decision that takes a conscious effort. While some situations may not be avoidable, others may be. Taking a taxi after drinking, staying alert behind the wheel and following speed limits are among the habits you can adopt to avoid accidents.

The accident information in this article is general in nature and should not replace the advice of an attorney.