Media post: Common Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Carelessness, inattention, or bad judgment cause millions of crashes annually. Although many accidents cannot be avoided, such as those caused by severe weather or mechanical breakdowns, most accidents are preventable because drivers are careless.

The first step in becoming a more cautious and responsible driver is to familiarize yourself with the most common reasons for automobile accidents. Drunk driving, sleepy driving, and speeding are all preventable with the correct routines.

With an emphasis on accidents caused by drunk driving and the legal ramifications that follow, this article will examine the main causes of vehicle accidents. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned master, following these recommendations can keep you safe and help you prevent unnecessary accidents. Who’s ready to get right in?

Accidents Caused by DUI and Their Legal Repercussions

One of the most careless and fatal driving errors a person can make is Driving Under the Influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is very risky because of the impairments in judgment, response time, and coordination that result. You can’t drive safely with even a little alcohol under Arizona DUI Laws. The NHTSA reports that for every 45 minutes in the United States, one person loses their life in a drunk driving accident.

Punishment for driving under the influence is harsh in the eyes of the law. A first-time offender may be subject to imprisonment, fines, license suspension, and required DUI classes. Longer license suspensions, heavy penalties, and even jail time are potential outcomes for repeat offenders or those who cause harm while driving under the influence. A long criminal record, increased insurance rates, and even the loss of a job are all possible outcomes of driving under the influence of conviction.

If you intend to drink, prepare ahead of time to prevent accidents caused by driving under the influence. Instead of getting behind the wheel, consider using ridesharing services, designating a driver, or using public transit. Never go behind the wheel while you’re impaired in any way, shape, or form, even if you think it’s “okay” to do so. A life, including your own, might be lost due to a single improper choice.

Driving While Distracted: A Killer in Plain Sight

A major contributor to automobile accidents on a global scale is the prevalence of distractions such as cell phones, in-car entertainment systems, and even food within reach. Taking your gaze off the road for even five seconds when traveling at highway speeds is comparable to blindly driving the length of a football field.

Texting while driving is particularly risky as it diverts attention, concentration, and dexterity from the road. Distractions, meanwhile, aren’t limited to phones. Eating, changing the radio, chatting with passengers, or even daydreaming may cause reduced response time and increased accident likelihood. According to research, in terms of reaction time, drivers who are distracted are equally as bad as those who are intoxicated.

Resolve to maintain your concentration on the road to avoid distracted driving. Place your phone in a drawer or on quiet so you won’t be tempted to look at it. Pull over to a safe area if you must make a phone call or send a text. Minimize potential interruptions by adjusting your audio and GPS settings before setting out on your journey, and refrain from eating or multitasking while driving. No song, message, or food can save a life.

Driving Too Fast

While there is logic to speed restrictions, many drivers disregard them in haste to reach their destination more quickly. But since it shortens response time, lengthens stopping distance, and makes collisions more severe, speeding is a leading cause of deadly accidents.

Though they may think they’re in charge, drivers who go 20 mph above the limit have less time to respond to unexpected hazards like pedestrians, potholes, or lane changes. Speeding is very risky in heavy traffic, when sudden stops are often required, on damp roads, or at corners that are too sharp.

Leave plenty of time to get where you’re going to avoid the dangers of driving too fast. Remember that getting there safely is more essential than getting there fast if you’re running late. When traveling on highways, use cruise control to maintain a constant speed and adhere to all imposed speed restrictions. Cutting corners at high speeds may save you a few minutes here and there, but the danger of an accident is just too great to justify the sacrifice.

Dangerous Road Conditions and Bad Weather

Some drivers disregard the dangers of driving in inclement weather by continuing at a higher pace or acting erratically. Tires lose grip on wet roads, and objects ahead are difficult to notice in low light.

Slow down, widen your following space, and use your headlights to be safe in inclement weather. Instead of risking accidents due to bad weather, wait for roads to improve.

Tiredness: The Perils of Sleepy Driving

Because it impairs both response time and awareness, driving when sleepy is as risky as driving while intoxicated. Serious accidents may occur if drivers merely doze off for a short period.

Stopping every two hours, getting enough sleep before a lengthy journey, and being aware of sleepiness symptoms may all help you avoid accidents caused by exhaustion. Your life is on the line, so pull over and rest if you’re too exhausted to drive.