You can avoid a car accident and a potential personal injury case when you avoid these common causes of car accidents. From distracted driving to speeding, we’ve all been there. But safe driving helps you avoid trouble.
1. Distracted Driving
With the use of technology, distracted driving is becoming more and more common. It’s a common driving faux pas—it’s easy to get distracted. Whether you’re looking at a phone, GPS, talking to a friend, or just lost in a daydream, if you’re eyes and mind aren’t on the road, you are a distracted driver. Do what you need to do to keep your attention on the road. You may need to put your phone out of reach or listen to something that will help you focus.
2. Inclement Weather
A large portion of accidents that occur during inclement weather. Risky road conditions are common during rain, snow, and wind storms. You should change your driving according to the weather conditions. You may need to slow down, take an alternate route, or even reschedule because of the weather. Whether it’s icy roads, a whiteout snowstorm, high winds, or just a little rain, take caution when you are driving in less than ideal weather conditions.
3. Speeding
The number one cause of car accidents is speeding. Most of us have been guilty of it at some point, it’s easy to put the pedal to the metal and get going fast. However, when you drive about the posted speed limit or faster than weather or road conditions permit, you are putting yourself and others at risk. As you speed, you have less control and less reaction time if something were to occur. You should also slow down in certain weather and road conditions. For example, a construction zone may require a lower speed. Or some weather may mean slicker and less safe roads meaning you should slow down.
4. Intoxicated Driving
It’s common knowledge that drunk driving is wrong, very dangerous, and illegal. When a driver is over the legal drinking limit, they should never get behind the wheel; the safety of themselves and others. Intoxicated drivers have a blurred vision, slowed alertness, and unsound judgment; they are not fit to drive a vehicle. Not all intoxicated drivers are drunk, they could also be impacted by drugs; both legal and illegal. Check yourself before you get behind the wheel.
5. Inexperienced Drivers
Getting comfortable behind the wheel takes time. A majority of people involved in car accidents are between the ages of 17 and 24. As you become a more experienced driver, your reaction time becomes better and you become better equipped to handle tough situations. Until you feel comfortable behind the wheel, drive to get experience but drive with caution. You can’t become an experienced driver without driving more, just drive with caution. You’ll learn to better control your vehicle in tough situations and avoid wrecks with time.
If you have experienced a car accident recently, contact us to get a team of professional lawyers on your side.