Car accidents are one of the prevalent causes of death and injury in the United States. In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over six million car accidents.
While some car accidents may be due to weather or road conditions, most are due to human error. The NHTSA reports that 94% of car accidents are caused by human error.
Many factors can play a part in a car accident, but some are more common than others. Here is a list of the leading causes of car accidents, ranked from most to least common:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has recently become a leading cause of car accidents. In fact, it is now one of the top-ranked causes of car accidents. There are several reasons why distracted driving is so dangerous.
First, when you are not paying attention to the road, you are more likely to miss something important. This could be a stop sign, a yield sign, or even a child running into the street.
Second, even if you see something that requires your attention, your reaction time is severely diminished if your attention is not directed to the road. This can lead to serious accidents. Finally, when you are distracted, you cannot drive as safely as you can when focused on the task.
You must know your rights and the relevant laws of your state if you find yourself in a car accident due to a distracted driver’s negligence. States like Illinois use a modified comparative negligence law.
This means that if you share the fault or contribute in some way to the accident, your potential compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
However, you can still recover damages if the other driver is found to be more than 50% at fault. So, before you file a car accident claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you must speak with an Illinois-based auto accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
Do not wait to take action, as there may be deadlines for filing a claim. An experienced attorney can help you steer through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving also takes one of the top spots as a leading cause of car accidents. In 2020, drunk driving accounted for 11,654 fatalities in the United States alone. That’s nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the country.
There are several reasons why drunk driving is such a leading cause of car accidents. First and foremost, alcohol impairs judgment and coordination. This means that drunk drivers are more likely to make poor decisions behind the wheel and are less likely to be able to control their vehicles effectively.
Additionally, alcohol lowers reaction time. This means that drunk drivers may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident, even if they see it coming. Finally, alcohol can cause drowsiness, making it even more difficult for a driver to stay focused on the road and make good decisions.
If you are going to drink, do not get behind the wheel. If you are going to be driving, do not drink. You must drink, use a designated driver or make other transportation arrangements. Please don’t let yourself or your loved ones become another statistic. Don’t drink and drive.
Speeding
We all know that speeding is dangerous. But did you know that it’s also one of the leading causes of car accidents? Every year, speeding contributes to many traffic collisions and fatalities.
So why is speeding such a problem? There are a few reasons. First, when driving fast, you have less time to react to things on the road. This means that if someone cuts you off or has an obstacle in the road, you’re more likely to crash into it.
Second, speeding makes it harder to control your car. The faster you go, the less control you have over your vehicle. This can lead to accidents even if there’s nothing else on the road.
Finally, speeding is simply illegal. It’s against the law in most states, and for a good reason. Speeding endangers everyone on the road, not just the person speeding.
You can expect to receive a ticket and a fine if you’re caught speeding. You may also have points added to your driver’s license. In some cases, you could even lose your license entirely.
The best way to avoid accidents is to obey the speed limit and drive safely. But if you find yourself in an accident due to the other driver’s speeding, make sure to call a car accident lawyer immediately. An experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is one of the top causes of car accidents for several reasons. First, it is a leading cause of distracted driving. When drivers are focused on other things besides the road, they are more likely to make mistakes or fail to see potential hazards. This can lead to serious accidents.
Second, reckless driving often involves speeding. Speeding makes it more difficult to stop or avoid an accident if something unexpected happens. It also increases the severity of any accidents that do occur.
Finally, reckless driving can be a sign of impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to take risks and drive recklessly. This can put themselves and others in danger on the road.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident caused by reckless driving, it is essential to seek legal help. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a major contributor to car accidents. In 2020, there were more than 400,000 reported truck crashes, and 13% of them were caused by dozing off behind the wheel. And, of those 400,000 accidents, about 1,550 are fatal.
Many factors can contribute to drowsy driving. For example, not getting enough sleep is a significant cause of drowsy driving. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep daily. But, most adults only get about 6 hours of sleep each night. This can lead to fatigue and make concentrating difficult while behind the wheel.
Another factor that can contribute to drowsy driving is taking certain medications. Some medicines can cause drowsiness as a side effect. If you’re taking medication, check the labels for drowsy driving warnings.
Of course, not all car accidents are caused by drowsy driving. But it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving and take steps to avoid it. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a break. And, if you’re taking medication, be sure to check the label for any warnings about drowsy driving. Taking these precautions can help keep yourself – and others – safe on the road.
While many factors can contribute to a car accident, some are more common than others. By understanding the top causes of car accidents, you can be more cautious on the road and help prevent accidents.