4 Most Common Reasons Why Road Accidents Happen

While more is being done to increase our safety on the roads, unfortunately, road accidents happen every single day. The severity of these crashes varies enormously and it is generally dependent on what caused the accident. While there is always the option to get a car accident lawyer should something happen, it’s always better to try and avoid this from happening. Many accidents can be serious or fatal, so being aware of what causes them can be beneficial.

Here are 4 of the most common reasons why accidents happen on the road. 

Not Looking Properly

This point might seem incredibly trivial, however, it is one of the most common reasons why accidents happen. People do not look properly as they are turning out or merging lanes and this can have fatal consequences. A lot of the time people are not looking properly is due to fatigue, and the drivers look but their brains’ reaction times are hindered. Crashes caused by fatigued drivers are 50% more likely to cause death or serious injury because if a driver crashes due to falling asleep they cannot brake or swerve to lessen the impact. 

Another reason why people do not look properly while on the roads is due to distraction, sometimes this is because they are focused on a fellow passenger, a mobile phone, the radio, or screaming children in the back seats. Concentration is a vital component in safe driving and if you are feeling distracted then it is worth waiting it out before getting in the car. 

Additionally, no checking your mirrors or your surroundings can also be the result of complacency, as when a driver becomes familiar with a route they feel more confident. However, this confidence can quickly turn into complacency and that is something you never want to be on the roads. 

It only takes a split second for an accident to happen, and so it is important to stay alert and be vigilant. 

Drink Driving 

Driving under the influence is illegal and extremely dangerous to both yourself and those around you. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28 people die every day in the United States due to drunk-driving crashes – that is one person every 52 minutes. While the number of people driving under the influence has decreased over the years, it remains far too high. 

These accidents and deaths were all preventable. If you or someone you know has been in an accident of this nature, visit www.geiger-legal.com to gain more information on what compensation you might be owed. Alcohol reduces the functions of the brain, so your reaction time, muscle memory, and ability to make decisions become significantly impaired. Even if you have just had one or two and you think you are fine, your abilities will be slowed down without you even realizing it. 

If you suspect a car within your proximity has a driver that may be under the influence then you should try to either pull over or change your route so that you don’t get caught up in a dangerous situation. Things to watch out for are swerving, inability to stay in their lane, and speeding.

Dangerous Weather

Driving in dangerous weather conditions such as heavy rain, hail, snow, and ice are a common cause of road accidents. This is because visibility on the roads is reduced and water on the road can lead to wheels losing traction on the road, causing the car to skid out of control. If you ever find yourself in this situation then stop breaking, try and steer into the skid, but not too much as the skid could then reverse. The most effective preventative measure is to simply not put yourself in a citation where you could lose control. 

You should avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions at all costs, however, if you do have then make sure your tires are in peak condition and drive slowly! No sudden turning, braking, or accelerating, and hopefully you will have a bit more control over the situation.

Rushing

Sometimes life gets the better of us and we begin to act carelessly and we rush. Rushing leads to dangerous driving. A typical reason why people rush is that they are late to work and so they drive too quickly and more aggressively. An example of aggressive driving behavior is tailgating another driver, which, unsurprisingly is a common cause of road accidents. 

Often reckless driving is not worth the risk and you are not only putting yourself at risk but also those around you. It is so easy for a car to skid out of control and go into another car or even into pedestrians on the sidewalk. Next time you are driving in a rush, remember it is better to be late for work than to be in a fatal car accident. 

As drivers, everyone has a responsibility to be safe, follow the law, and keep up to date with the highway code. Accidents happen every day and most of these could have been easily avoided, so stay safe and be mindful of your surroundings.