Common Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them
A car accident can leave behind devastating consequences, ranging from physical injuries and emotional trauma to financial burdens as you recover. However, most car accidents can be prevented by maintaining awareness and following safety guidelines when you’re behind the wheel. Understanding the top causes of car accidents can further help you avoid making mistakes that put you at risk on the road.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for over 3,300 traffic fatalities in 2022. Hundreds of thousands more people are injured every year, making distracting driving one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Anything that takes your attention away from the road is considered distracted driving, including:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Putting on makeup
- Adjusting in-car entertainment systems
All these activities take some level of concentration, which takes your primary attention away from the road. Multitasking even for the few seconds it takes to send a text, dial a phone number, or change the radio station is extremely dangerous and greatly increases the risk of being involved in an accident.
You should also keep in mind that it’s illegal to use a handheld device while driving on California roadways. If you are found to be engaged in a distracted driving activity that causes a wreck, you could be found negligent and be held responsible for damages in a lawsuit. Keeping your eyes on the road is the best way to protect yourself and other drivers.
Drowsy Driving
The NHTSA found that nearly 700 people died in accidents related to drowsy driving in 2022. Driving while fatigued is like driving under the influence. It slows your reaction times to changes in traffic conditions and impacts your abilities to make sound decisions. You need to remain alert and aware of what’s happening on the road to reduce your risk of accidents. Before taking long trips, ensure you get a good night’s rest. Stop every couple of hours to break and stretch your legs. Avoid taking medications that could make you sleepy. If necessary, find a safe place to pull over, like a rest stop, and take a brief nap. Even a 20-minute rest has shown to improve alertness on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is another top contributor to car accidents. This risky driving behavior accounted for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic and road conditions by increasing a car’s stopping distance and making it harder to maneuver around hazards. It also puts passengers at a greater risk of sustaining a serious injury in the event of a collision. Following the speed limit can help you avoid major accidents and protect you from a negligence claim if a crash does occur.
Red Light Running
Red light running is considered a reckless driving behavior that puts lives at risk. Incoming motorists will be expecting you to stop, so they may not be able to reduce their speed in enough time to prevent a collision. To keep yourself and others safe, you should slow down when the light turns yellow rather than speed up to cross the intersection. It’s also extremely important to come to a full stop at stop signs and follow right-of-way procedures. Adhering to these traffic rules will greatly mitigate the risk of becoming involved in a car accident.
Weather Conditions
You can’t always avoid a weather-related crash, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, reduce your visibility on the road, so it’s important to take extra precautions. These include driving within the posted speed limit, giving plenty of clearance between your vehicle and others, using your fog lights, and pulling over to a safe place when conditions worsen. Taking these steps can help you prevent collisions associated with poor weather.
What to Do After an Accident
Sometimes, accidents are just unavoidable. If you’re involved in a car wreck due to the fault of another driver, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself.
- Call for emergency assistance – If anyone is hurt at the scene, call 911 and get immediate medical assistance. When the police arrive, provide them with objective details about the accident without admitting any fault on your part.
- Take photos or videos of the scene – Before you leave, be sure to take photographs or videos of the accident site. These are helpful in case there are any questions about liability.
- Gather witness contact information – If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should collect their contact information. They may be called if the other driver contests your account of the event.
- Get medical care – If you didn’t need medical attention at the scene of the accident, then you should obtain a full evaluation from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. You may have a hidden injury that might not show symptoms right away.
- Call a lawyer – Contact a Bakersfield auto accident lawyer before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. They can provide legal advice for dealing with settlement negotiations and assist you through every step of the claims process.
Injured? Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you need a car accident lawyer, The Law Office of Kyle W. Jones is here to help. We’ll assess your case and provide you with honest, straightforward legal advice based on years of personal injury experience. Contact our Bakersfield law firm today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
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