The Most Common Causes of Collisions
Posted on: July 18, 2024Car accidents are an all-too-common occurrence on roads and highways, and unfortunately, they can lead to devastating consequences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 42,000 fatalities by car accidents in the United States in 2020 alone. While some vehicle collisions are beyond our control due to unforeseen circumstances, many of them are preventable and are caused by some very common activities.
By understanding the most common causes of collisions and taking steps to mitigate these risks, you can help ensure your safety on the road.
Distracted drivers pose a significant threat on the road. When most people hear “distracted driving,” they think about texting while driving, but it can come in a variety of forms, from eating to adjusting the radio.
To avoid distracted driving, it’s essential to focus on the road and eliminate any distractions. This means putting away your phone, eating before you get behind the wheel, and adjusting any controls before you start driving. If you must use your phone or GPS, use a hands-free system or pull over to a safe spot before using it.
2. Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of accidents and a major contributor to fatalities on the road. According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2022.
Driving too fast reduces a driver’s ability to react to changes on the road and increases the severity of an accident. Obeying the speed limit is great, but it’s not always your best option. You may often need to drive slower than the speed limit due to certain road conditions.
3. Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious problem that can have tragic consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is an average of one person killed every 39 minutes in the United States due to drunk driving crashes; that’s roughly 37 deaths per day!
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, reaction time, and perception—three things that are essential for avoiding motor vehicle accidents!
Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service, taxi, or public transportation.
If you suspect that another driver is impaired, keep a safe distance and call 911 to report them. This will potentially help the drunk driver from being injured and—more importantly—reduce the risk that the driver will injure someone else.
4. Drowsy Driving
Few people are aware of the dangers of driving while fatigued, but they should be.
Drowsy driving causes an estimated 91,000 auto accidents a year, making it as dangerous as driving drunk!
Even if you don’t fall asleep behind the wheel, drowsiness and fatigue can slow your reaction time and make it harder to notice hazards on the road. But don’t rely on caffeine to keep you safe (or awake). Instead, make sure you get enough sleep before driving, even if you have to take a quick nap first.
5. Aggressive Driving
Anyone that drives on the roads in Florida (especially I-4!) is keenly aware of aggressive driving, or “road rage.”
Common examples of aggressive driving include tailgating, excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to yield.
Taking an aggressive driving course can help you avoid triggers that lead to these behaviors, but in some cases, the issue is not with us, but with other drivers. If you encounter an aggressive driver, keep a safe distance and do not engage with them. Unfortunately, we have seen many crashes occur because of an angry driver who makes the fateful decision to collide with another in their fit of anger.
6. Weather-Related Accidents
Weather can have a significant impact on driving conditions, and approximately 21% of vehicle crashes (over 1 million!), are weather-related, according to the US Department of Transportation.
In Florida, torrential rain and wind are behind many accidents, because they reduce visibility and make roads slick and difficult to navigate. We have spoken to many clients who have difficulty getting law enforcement to a crash scene during a rainstorm because of the number of collisions occurring throughout the area.
To avoid weather-related accidents, slow down and increase your following distance in bad weather conditions. Use your headlights and windshield wipers to maintain visibility, and be cautious when driving over bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, which are more likely to freeze or have areas where your vehicle can hydroplane in the rain.
Which Of These Causes The Most Collisions?
Because some crashes remain unreported, it is nearly impossible to determine what factors or behaviors cause the most accidents. Furthermore, many crashes involve multiple factors, such as drunk driving, speeding, and road rage.
However, most experts agree that human error is the overwhelming factor in most crashes.
While it can be humbling to hear that most car accidents are preventable, it is also empowering. Knowing that you can be responsible for your own safety can help make many people feel safer on the road.
What To Do If You Are Involved In An Accident
If you find yourself involved in a car accident, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine initially, it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional as some injuries may not present themselves until many days or weeks later.
You should also contact the police and file a report, which can help protect your legal rights and ensure that the accident is properly documented.
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer, especially if you have been injured. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the complex legal landscape, deal with insurance companies, and work to help you get fair compensation for your injuries and other damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted personal injury attorney for help during this difficult time.
Call Beers & Gordon For Help After a Collision
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact Beers & Gordon.
Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages. Remember, seeking legal advice as soon as possible after a car accident is crucial in protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1997, and two years later began working at a firm in Orlando handling insurance defense matters on cases involving vehicle accidents, negligence, product liability, and more. He established Beers & Gordon P.A. with David Beers in 2009 to represent the rights of people injured because of negligence. He is a member of the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers organization and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
