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10 common Causes of Car Accidents

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10 common Causes of Car Accidents

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10 common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. About a hundred car crashes occur every day, and almost 30% are fatal in nature. Victims of car accidents may incur severe injuries or develop a long-term medical condition; some damages are irreversible and lead to permanent disability. Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney in Hernando FL has helped numerous victims acquire compensation for the injuries caused by another driver’s misconduct or negligence.

Almost 95% of auto accidents are caused by human error, and the remaining can be blamed upon natural disasters. Most roadside collisions can be averted by obeying traffic law and adopting necessary safety precautions, though few are unavoidable. Below are 10 common causes of car accidents:

1. Drunk Driving/Driving while Intoxicated

Drunk driving accidents are very frequent, despite the zero tolerance policy against DUI/DWI offenses. Many of these accidents are caused by underage drinkers who overestimate their tolerance for alcohol. If you drink (regardless of the amount), do not drive, and vice versa.

2. Distracted Driving

Driving is not something that can be done while multi-tasking. All your focus and attention is required on the road ahead. Texting, eating, using your smartphone, listening to loud music, or engaging in conversation with fellow passengers while driving are common distractions that lead to accidents.

3. Driving when Tired/Fatigued

If you are drowsy, sleepy, or exhausted, let someone drive you or call a cab. Falling asleep or feeling dizzy behind the wheel may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and put lives at risk.

4. Speeding

It has become a norm for drivers to drive 5-15 units above the allowed speed limit. While this practice appears to be harmless, it creates complications. The faster you go, the lesser time you have to react to an obstacle and apply brakes to stop in time.

5. Reckless Driving

Reckless drivers have no regard for speed limits and other traffic rules. They treat the streets as their playground where they can do anything they prefer. Reckless behavior includes extreme speeding, abusing other drivers, tailgating, running red lights, and making deadly turns.

6. Driving in a Pitch Black

It is highly risky to drive around areas of scarce civilization that lack any streetlights to illuminate the way at night. Your car lights may not be enough to see far ahead or notice someone approaching from the sides. 

7. Driving after dark without headlights/backlights

If you ever drive after dark, make sure that your car’s head and tail lights are both working properly. Even if the streets are adequately laminated, other vehicles my not notice you at once if your lights are turned off.

8. Driving in the Wrong Direction

Many drivers have a habit of taking shortcuts that involve driving in the wrong direction in a one-way street. Do not expect other drivers to see you and give way. If a collision occurs, you will shoulder all the liability because they were not opposing traffic law.

9. Motor Vehicle issues

Brake failure, damaged tires, and overall lack of maintenance can cause your vehicle to malfunction and get into an accident. It is important to take your car to the workshop every now and then; also, do not ignore any minor issues or they will turn into a bigger problem.

10. Bad Weather

Rain and snow make roads slippery and contribute to road damage; puddles and potholes are a common hazard. Fog and smog greatly decrease visibility, so you should avoid driving under these unsuitable weather conditions.