Every minute, a car accident is taking place somewhere in the United States. In fact, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people aged 1 to 54. Roughly 4.4 million receive medical attention each year due to a car collision.
Car accidents occur for many different reasons. Some accidents are caused by drunk drivers while others are due to texting and driving.
Read on to learn about the top causes of accidents on the road. Explore the leading cause of car accidents so that you can help avoid a tragedy. For more information, you can visit autocollisionlegal.com for Guides on Road Safety in the USA. You can also check DUI lawyer cumberland county pa for legal aid.
Distracted Driving
Have you ever looked over at another driver in disbelief? It is not uncommon to see drivers on their cell phones or eating a meal while driving. It comes as no surprise that distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents.
Distracted driving comes in many different forms. Some drivers are busy playing with the radio or other technology in the vehicle. Others are trying to occupy their children or trying to multi-task.
The cell phone added another dimension to distracted driving. Now, drivers are answering texts, recording videos, and checking social media while on the road.
The best way to avoid distracted driving is by putting your cell phone in an inaccessible area. Also, keeping both hands on the steering wheel prevents many potential issues.
Texting while driving is now illegal and you may be held liable for causing property damage or injury. The experts at Sweetlaw.com put together a guide for determining compensation in these cases.
Driving Under the Influence
Far too many drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence. Many people mistakenly assume that driving under the influence only involves alcohol.
The truth is that many substances can affect your ability to safely drive. Using marijuana or other illicit drugs negatively impacts your driving capacity.
There are also legal prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs that affect your driving ability. The best rule of thumb is to get a driver when using any substance that impairs your judgment or reactions.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common cause of road accidents. Drivers get behind the wheel when it is late at night and they are used to sleeping.
In other cases, drivers stay behind the wheel too long. They get too comfortable sitting in one place or are hypnotized by the steady stream of white lines.
The best rule of thumb is to pull over when you feel tired. Some states have passed laws that make driving while tired illegal.
Experts recommend that you pull over once every 100 miles. Another recommendation is to stop for 15 minutes after driving for 2 hours.
The Top Causes of Accidents Are Preventable
Now that you know the leading cause of car accidents, you are ready to help prevent them. You can reduce your risk of a car accident significantly by eliminating distractions.
Other helpful tips are to avoid driving when your ability is impaired. This may be the result of drinking alcohol or being overly tired.
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