If you’ve ever been in an accident, you may have wondered what you could have done to prevent it from happening. While there are plenty of factors that can contribute to car accidents—from wet roads to drunk drivers—you can still do your part to make sure that you don’t become involved in a car accident. Understanding factors that may contribute to a car accident can help you avoid becoming involved in one in the future and help protect others on the road.
1. Overspeeding
Speeding can seriously increase your chances of getting into an accident. If you’re going too fast, you may not be able to react quickly enough if something unexpected occurs in front of you. Slower speeds will prevent accidents, but they will also reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, slower speeds are typically safer because they enable you to drive more attentively and avoid risky actions like tailgating or cutting off other drivers.
However, it’s crucial to observe all posted speed limits. Driving over speed limits could get you pulled over by police, which is never fun—especially if you’ve been drinking! In case an overspeeding vehicle on a city street causes a slip and fall incident, you can click here to learn more about slip and fall lawyer near me and seek help for compensation for injuries from reckless driving.
2. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Drunk driving is, unfortunately, more common than it should be. But drug and alcohol use can significantly impact your reaction time, leading to accidents even when you’re not behind the wheel. It’s essential to recognize what drugs can do to your body and refrain from driving altogether if you feel they could impair your performance.
Contact an attorney right away if you find yourself in an accident due to drunk or drugged driving. You may be able to pursue compensation for injuries or damages caused by another driver who was intoxicated. It’s crucial not to drive if your alcohol limit is over 0.08%.
3. Cell Phone Use
It’s no secret that using your cell phone while driving can be hazardous. Studies have repeatedly shown cell phone use while driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Distracted drivers take their eyes off the road and hands off steering wheels and often fail to notice or react quickly enough to potential roadway hazards. Suppose you suffer an injury due to an accident caused by another driver while on the phone. You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, etc.
4. Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals
It may seem like no big deal when you try to race through an intersection with your turn signal blinking, but disregarding traffic lights and signs is one of the most common causes of car accidents. When you fail to stop for red lights or stop signs, it’s easy for another driver on your road (or another oncoming vehicle) to misinterpret your intentions and slam into you.
If you see a stopping sign or a red light, stop! You never know what’s coming up behind you. However, if you suffer injuries due to negligence by another party, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable personal injury lawyer.
5. Distracted Driving
Accidents that distracted drivers cause are common on busy roads. The federal government estimates around 3,000 people die each year in car accidents involving cell phones and texting. The phone or tablet is just too tempting to ignore. Human brains like taking part in two tasks at once, but when you do so, your reaction time decreases, and response time increases along with an increase in errors.
So, if you’re driving down a highway and you need to send a text, pull over to a safe location before doing so. It could save your life and others. Other forms of distraction may include daydreaming while driving, changing stations on your radio while driving, eating food while driving, applying makeup while driving, etc. If you feel like you can’t resist these distractions, it might be best not to get on the wheel until you have addressed them.
6. Slippery Roads and Poor Weather Conditions
Weather conditions often play a large part in car accidents. If roads are slick and icy, or you can’t see due to rain or fog, your chances of being involved in an accident increase. Inclement weather also affects visibility at night, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Be sure to maintain safe driving habits when weather conditions are poor so as not to put yourself at risk for injuries while on your commute home from work.
If you must drive during inclement weather, make sure your headlights are working correctly and keep both hands on the wheel. Also, make sure you slow down when it rains because water accumulates quickly on roadways, making them more slippery than usual. If possible, consider switching out old tires before the rainy season begins.
Conclusion
While everyone involved in a car accident is likely trying their best, many factors can lead to serious injury. Understanding these factors can help you identify ways to avoid accidents and prevent serious injuries if one does occur. As part of your defensive driving techniques, always drive at safe speeds, buckle up every time you get behind the wheel, and keep your eyes on the road. Suppose you or someone you love has suffered injuries in an auto accident due to someone’s else negligence. In that case, you can contact a reliable personal injury lawyer today for more information about your legal rights.
