What are the top 5 causes of car accidents?

I mean, who doesn’t love driving and hates to get in an accident? But accidents don’t happen all of the time if you look at it closely. Getting into an accident can be extremely difficult, and it may have a negative effect on your health in the worst possible way.

So, it is essential for everyone to have a basic know-how of how accidents are caused and what the most common causes are that are generally seen. 

Yes, you can drive on the roads afterward, but you will be more careful and vigilant next time you are aware of the reasons. So, let’s all delve into the answer to the question, ‘What are the top 5 causes of car accidents?’

If you search for an accident lawyer near me, you will be able to navigate through the complexities of different cases, depending on the reason. 

Importance of Identifying the Common Causes

Awareness of a common cause or two in car accidents does alert drivers to drive better on the roads. When people get knowledge about the major causes of accidents, they are willing to practice safer driving.

Knowing the common causes permits drivers to prevent accidents. For instance, if distracted driving is a proven risk factor, fewer people will use their phones while driving.

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents

There are many reasons for car accidents occurring on the roads, but there are some of the common causes that should never be neglected. So, having an understanding of them can be very beneficial for future driving experiences. Here are the top 5: 

1. Driving Under the Influence

There are very serious dangers of driving under the influence (DUI), and it causes DUI-related accidents. Here’s an in-depth explanation:

Alcohol and Drug Use

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that interferes with the safe driving of a motor vehicle. It impairs cognition, coordination, and reaction time.

Drugs, including prescription medicines, illegal substances, and even some over-the-counter drugs, impair a driver’s attention span, slow reaction time, and destroy his/her ability to make sound judgments.

Mixing alcohol with drugs, including prescription medications, magnifies the impairment and risk that accidents will result. 

Impaired Driving Behaviors

Drivers under the influence often show reduced coordination. They steer unsteadily, swerve dangerously, and have trouble maintaining their lane positions. Alcohol and drugs cloud the judgment; thus, people speed, tailgate other drivers, or ignore red lights and stop signs.

Those with impaired reaction times are unable to respond quickly enough to sudden changes in traffic or emergencies.

Dizziness also visually impairs and can cause double or blurred vision, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.

• Drivers under the influence often show reduced coordination. They steer unsteadily, swerve dangerously, and have trouble maintaining their lane positions.

• Alcohol and drugs cloud the judgment; thus, people speed, tailgate other drivers, or ignore red lights and stop signs.

• Those with impaired reaction times are unable to respond quickly enough to sudden changes in traffic or emergencies.
• Dizziness also visually impairs and can cause double or blurred vision, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.

1. Distracted Driving

Smartphones and in-car entertainment systems are significant distractions for drivers. Let’s see how they cause accidents.

Smartphones

Smartphones have become essential in everyday life, and many people use them while driving. Short messages are one of the most dangerous forms of distraction. It takes the driver’s concentration off the road for a long duration of time and is, therefore, very dangerous.

Holding a phone while talking or dialing can cause cognitive distraction and reduce the reaction times of the drivers.  

Also, when drivers use social media to check messages, check the internet, or install applications, their eyes get off the road. GPS systems are of great use, but entering destinations or changing routes on the fly can put a driver’s attention off focus.

In-Car Entertainment Systems

Modern cars have cutting-edge in-car entertainment systems complete with touchscreens, music streaming, and internet access. Drivers become cognitively distracted, their minds not fully focused on driving tasks when interacting with these systems. 

Touchscreen controls can also be very problematic and require visual monitoring, distracting the driver’s attention from the road. Though voice-activated systems aim to get rid of distractions, they still require some mental involvement and have the potential for errors.

1. Reckless Driving

Excessive speed means driving at speeds far in excess of the posted speed limits or faster than is reasonable under road and weather conditions. The factors that can cause them include: 

• Some drivers think that they are good enough to handle high speeds
• People in a rush may race to get there quicker
• Not appreciating the dangers of going too fast

The impact on the accidents can be seen as,  

• High-speed driving impairs a driver’s reactions to sudden changes on the road.

• The faster speeds also require greater stopping distances, increasing the chances of rear-end collisions

• High speeds mean worse injuries and more fatalities.

1. Intersection Collision

Intersections are the bustling crossroads where roads meet and be together. They’re vital in our traffic flow, but unfortunately, they can also become bumpy places where accidents happen. Let’s take a closer look at some sneaky culprits behind these crashes, all explained in super easy words:

• Imagine a stop sign playing hide-and-seek, but instead of a playful kid, it’s a car zooming through the red light. These impatient drivers forget the rules and smash into others, turning the intersection into a messy tangle of metal and confusion.

• Just like follow-the-leader at school, sometimes, drivers forget who gets to go first at the intersections. They might turn left when it’s not their turn or try to get fixed onto a busy road without checking, leading to a game of bumper cars nobody wants to win.

• You know those people walking around while staring at their phones? Imagine them driving on the roads like that. Distracted drivers miss important things like flashing lights and stop signs, which can mean trouble at intersections, especially when they forget they’re not playing games on the steering wheel. 

• A lot of times, it is seen that the drivers who feel wobbly are on the roads and are seen driving like that. Drivers who have had too much fun with grown-up drinks or medicine can make bad decisions at intersections, causing accidents that nobody wants to deal with.

1. Bad Weather Conditions

One of the very serious causes of accidents is bad weather. Some weather conditions can be pretty bad for your safety as these can cause you serious injuries after the accidents. 

Rain

• Wet roads directly reduce tire traction, making it easier to lose control of the vehicle.

• Wet spots become dangerous, even impassable, for the tires to gain proper traction.

• In heavy rain, it can be hard to see other vehicles or road signs.

Snow

• Snow and ice make roads treacherous, making it more likely that a vehicle will skid.

• Snow accumulation, in particular, can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distance.

• Snowfall decreases visibility, especially during a snowstorm.

Fog

• Fog really has reduced visibility; and you can’t see far ahead or other vehicles.

• Fog can hide objects until they’re too close, raising the chances of rear-end collisions.

• Low visibility means that the driver can’t quickly react to an obstacle or slowing traffic.

Contact Mokaram Law Firm Now!

Don’t hesitate to contact Mokaram Law Firm today in case of an accident. The lawyers can be really helpful in resolving your physical and emotional needs and can get your hands on the best compensation packages that can benefit you in the long run. So dial (281) 609-9224 today to book your consultation with the best and the most skillful lawyers near you to help you deal with your complex car accident cases.