Car accidents are considered a significant cause of death and injury in the United States. The percentage of people dying in motor vehicle traffic crashes is rising. The national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) reports that 42,915 Americans had killed last year alone–a 10% increase from 2020 when 38 824 Americans lost their lives. This is a trend that we cannot ignore. The prominent cause of car accidents is distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving. We need to take safety measures to make our roads safer for everyone. We all can make a difference by working together.
Following are the major leading causes of car accidents and how we should take preventative measures to avoid these crashes.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
One of the main leading causes of traffic collisions is driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, according to the NHTSA, drunk driving accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities in the USA in 2018.
There are several ways to prevent drunk driving. First and foremost, do not drink and then drive. If you are going to be drinking, ensure to have a designated driver. You can also take public transportation or call a taxi or rideshare service. Do not hesitate to report it to the police if you see someone who appears to be drunk driving.
Distracted Driving
Many things can cause a driver to be distracted while driving. Some of the most common distractions include:
- Talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Eating or drinking.
- Adjusting the radio or navigation system.
- Talking to passengers.
- Daydreaming.
- Looking at something outside of the car.
All these above distractions can take a driver’s attention away from driving, resulting in an accident. In order to prevent distracted driving, it is essential to be aware of the risks and to take steps to avoid being distracted while behind the wheel.
If you must use your cell phone while driving, use a hands-free device to keep your hands only on the wheel and your eyes on the road. If you are eating or drinking, pull over to a rest stop so that you can finish your meal before continuing your journey. And if you need to adjust the radio or navigation system, do so before you start driving.
Most importantly, always give your full attention to the task of driving. Do not try to multi-task while driving. Pull over and stop the car first if you need to do something else. By being mindful of the risks of distracted driving and taking steps to avoid it, you can certainly help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is a significant cause of car accidents. Some signs of aggressive driving include speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights or stop signs, and making improper lane changes. This type of driving can easily lead to an accident. Awareness of the signs of aggressive driving and how to prevent them is essential.
There are a few things you can do to prevent aggressive driving.
- Avoid getting angry while driving. Always take a deep breath and relax if someone drives slowly in front of you or tries to cut you off.
- Give yourself a lot of time to reach your destination, so you don’t have to hurry.
- If you see someone driving aggressively, do not engage them. Just let them go and don’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction.
Vehicle Defects
Regarding car accidents, vehicle defects are also considered one of the major causes. Awareness of the most common types of defects is crucial to preventing accidents.
One type of defect that can cause accidents is a mechanical defect. This can happen when there is something wrong with how the car is designed or built. For example, if the brakes are not working properly, this can lead to an accident. Another type of defect that can cause accidents is an electrical defect. This happens when there is something wrong with the electrical system in the car. For example, if the headlights are not working properly, this could be dangerous and lead to an accident.
Ensure to take your car to a mechanic if you are experiencing problems with the car. Regular maintenance on your car is essential and can not be avoided. This will help ensure that your car is in good working condition and less likely to have defects.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents usually occur when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These accidents can be hazardous, as they often lead to rollover accidents. It is vital to be aware of your surroundings at all times and always avoid driving in blind spots to prevent a sideswipe accident. Moreover, always use your turn signals when changing lanes and be cautious when passing other vehicles on the road. If unfortunately, you are involved in a sideswipe accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as these accidents can often result in serious injuries.
How Can a Professional Personal Injury Lawyer Help You in Traffic Collision Accidents?
It depends on the severity of injuries, the amount of damage to your vehicle, and the circumstances of the accident. For many people, hiring a personal injury lawyer is the first step toward getting their lives back on track. The process of finding and interviewing attorneys can be difficult, but it’s well worth doing if you have been involved in any type or level of a car accident that has left one person injured. However, consulting a personal injury lawyer after a car accident is always a good idea. Only a professional Chiumento Law, PLLC can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to help you get the best possible settlement and can represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve if your case goes to trial.
Hiring a professional personal injury lawyer after a car accident can be highly beneficial. If you have been involved in an accident, do not hesitate to consult car accident attorneys in Palm Coast, FL, to discuss your case and find out how they can help you.
