Car accidents are a major problem in our society and a huge cause of death and injury in the United States. In 2017 alone, there were 37,133 automobile-related deaths on U.S. roads and highways. It’s a staggering amount of casualties and something that individually, and collectively, we must try to avoid. In order to reduce the amount of car accidents that occur, we must first determine what are the top 5 causes of them. After all, it’s incredibly hard to fix a problem if you don’t understand why it exists in the first place. So, let’s explore what are the leading causes of car accidents and what can be done to reduce them.
Unsafe Driving Practices
Unsafe driving practices are one of the most frequent causes of car accidents. This category includes anything from drunk driving, to driving while tired, to excessive speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017 there were 7,121 deaths caused by drunk driving went. In addition to being incredibly dangerous and irresponsible, drunk driving is often illegal. So, anyone caught drinking and driving may be facing possible jail time.
In addition to drunk driving, driving while tired is another unsafe driving practice that can be more difficult for police to detect. All the same, it’s just as dangerous and can make you more likely to make a mistake. As famed racing driver and automotive innovator, Henry Ford, famously said: “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” The same concept applies to driving; any motorist can drive any way they want as long as they do it safely.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major cause of car accidents and one that is becoming increasingly more prevalent with the invention of smartphones and other personal devices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2017, distracted driving caused 3,166 fatalities. Anything that takes your focus away from the road – such as a phone, GPS, or radio – can contribute to a distraction and lead to an accident.
Further research by the American Automobile Association also noted that looking up directions, taking a selfie, or sending a text message while driving, was linked to a higher risk of driving accidents. It’s important to stay focused and be aware of your surroundings while driving, especially when using a phone.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of car accidents and a habit that can be, unfortunately, quite dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding caused 10,111 fatalities in 2017. Speeding not only endangers the driver themselves, but can potentially put other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk as well. It’s also important to note that within the United States, different states have different speed limits. Be sure to check in your state to ensure that you are adhering to the correct speed limits, and always drive safely.
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving is another major cause of car accidents. This includes any behavior on the road that is careless or risky. Examples could include running a red light, running a stop sign, abrupt lane changes, and more. In the United States, negligent driving was responsible for 26,039 deaths in 2017.
Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions are yet another major factor in regards to accidents caused by cars. This can unfortunately be rather unavoidable. Obviously, if visibility is poor due to rain, snow, or fog, it’s important to invest in headlights and turn signals that are bright and clear and can help drivers to see each other. In 2017, 11,009 fatalities were due to adverse weather or environmental conditions. All drivers should be cautious in bad weather and adjust their speeds accordingly and drive a little more cautiously.
In summary, there are five major causes of car accidents. They are unsafty driving practices, distracted driving, speeding, negligent driving, and bad weather conditions. Being aware of these causes and trying to avoid them can help to reduce the amount of car accidents that occur. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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