Despite new technology, specifically new advances in car technology, car accidents continue to happen frequently. Car manufacturers continue to improve and release new technology to help. Advances such as forward collision systems (FCS), back up cameras, adaptive headlights, etc, but California Car Accidents are still increasing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 36,560 people were killed on the roads in 2018, and 2.71 million accident victims sustained injuries that required a visit to a medical professional. Continue reading to learn more about the 10 leading causes of car accidents.
10 Leading Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents drastically change a person’s life. Often a car accident will result in lost wages, pain and suffering or permanent disabilities. Although traffic accidents are common, you should still familiarize yourself with the facts. Preparing yourself for a car accident and that aftermath can greatly change the outcome if you were to be in a car accident. Human error while driving makes up the majority of car accidents. With he rest of car accidents caused by outside conditions unrelated to human error, such as weather.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents can be blamed on distracted driving. It is nearly impossible to focus on more that one task at a time, especially driving. We live in a world on constant distractions. Things like texting, smart watch notifications, talking on the phone, applying makeup, reading, or even eating while driving. These are all things that lead to a car accident from distracted driving.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is responsible for an average of 29 deaths per day. But thanks to recent educational efforts, deaths related to drunk driving have continue to slow down. Drunk driving can cause car accidents anywhere from the freeway to a residential neighborhood. If you are driving and you think you recognize a drunk driver, there are steps you can take to hopefully help save a life. Slow down to a stop, call 911 and let them know where you saw the drunk driver and which way they were headed.
Speeding
Additionally, speeding is a leading cause of car accidents. Running late to work, distracted driving and not realizing their speed, or maybe earlier in the commute they got got in California traffic and are trying to make up for that lost time.
Running Red Lights / Stop Signs
Approximately 40% of car accidents occur at intersections, with the cause being running a red light or a stop sign. Drivers don’t consider that the extra minute or two that they are trying to avoid could potentially injure or kill them or others.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving can be caused by drivers who are driving too fast, swerving in and out of traffic and purposefully avoid traffic cautions. Additionally reckless driving is often paired with speeding and aggressive driving.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can play a huge role in car accidents. Although California has its fair share of beautiful sunny days, less than ideal weather can play a role in car accidents. Slippery roads from rain or ice can cause traction from tires to be lower. In turn these vehicles can slide off the road or slide into other objects and vehicles. In addition to slippery roads, fog and wind may also contribute to weather related accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is similar to reckless driving. Drivers that are speeding, not being fully aware of their surroundings, or outright ignoring traffic laws are aggressive drivers. Undoubtedly they are putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk from their driving.
Road Conditions
Road conditions can be a leading cause of a car accident. Poorly maintained roadways increase the risk of a popped tire and influence a driver’s ability to brake adequately.
Fatigue
When a driver is driving while sleepy or even just drowsy it can impair their ability to respond and react to the road. Sometimes, drivers, especially truck drivers are driving while they are downright exhausted which is the leading cause of fatigued driving.
Vehicle Defects
Cars are made up of hundreds of parts and mechanical pieces. Sometimes these parts can malfunction while while driving. If something like this happens you might have to quickly react and pull off the road, but sometimes that is hard to do safely. If your vehicle malfunctions while you are driving, react quickly and be fully aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion to Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents happen for many different reasons at any time of the day. Unfortunately, even with awareness and education, thousands of individuals fall victim to traffic accidents. If you have caused a car accident or been involved in a car accident because of someone else, it is important to be well educated. Part of being educated is knowing the proper steps to take immediately after your car accident.
Contact a Thousand Oaks Car Accident Attorney
When involved in a California Car accident it is important to get in contact with a Thousand Oaks Car Accident Attorney.
Vititoe Law Group is a nationally recognized Law Firm, founded by James W. Vititoe, a Westlake Village Personal Injury Lawyer.
Over the past 30 years award winning attorney James W. Vititoe and his team of lawyers have been involved in cases resulting in settlements of over $1 Billion dollars.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
