There are, on average, around 6 million automobile accidents every single year in the USA.
These range from fatal pile-ups to minor prangs. Reducing the number of vehicular accidents is an extremely significant aim – politically and technologically. This rather grim list is of the seven most common causes of car accidents in the United States.
Distracted Driving
Getting distracted while driving is by no means uncommon. Drivers on long drives are especially prone to becoming distracted. Unfortunately, situations on the road change immensely quickly, and any distraction can be fatal. In 2018 over 400,000 people were injured in accidents that involved a distracted driver. Taking a break regularly and refusing to use your cell phone during journeys is essential.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol seriously inhibits the ability of a driver to react to situations quickly and sensibly. Drunk drivers are one of the most widespread instigators of accidents on the road. If you have been involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, contacting your local car accident attorney is the first step towards receiving compensation.
Speeding
Speeding is a crime for a reason. The faster a car is going, the less likely a driver will be to react in time to a change in conditions. Drivers operating beyond the speed limit are far more likely to be involved in accidents than drivers sticking to the rules.
Running Red Lights Or Stop Signs
Likewise, it is not a good idea to ignore traffic signals. Road systems are complex and require vehicles to stop at predetermined points in order to remain acceptably safe. Running a red light is likely to leave a driver maimed just as it is likely to leave them with a hefty fine to pay.
Fatigue
Being extremely fatigued is just as dangerous as being drunk at the wheel. If a driver is falling asleep, they may momentarily lose control of their car – and a moment without control is all it takes to cause a serious accident in a fast moving vehicle. Commercial drivers are especially prone to fatigue due to their long hours and tight deadlines.
Weather
Poor weather conditions can make even the simplest drive immensely dangerous. The United States of America has a large variety of extreme weather conditions commonly found in different areas of the country. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can make driving dangerous. Snow, rain and high winds can be fatal for unprepared drivers. Snow and ice are especially dangerous, as they hamper the ability of a car to grip onto the road when cornering or braking.
Road Conditions
There are plenty of American roads that are poorly maintained and very dangerous to drive on. Depending on the state of your local government, you could be facing potholes, poor drainage or crumbling surfaces. Bad road conditions can contribute towards accidents. Modern cars are typically designed to be suitable for road use only, and can’t safely drive at speed on roads that resemble the surface of the moon.
