Factors That Can Cause Car Accidents

There are a number of car accident causes. Many of these factors seem obvious yet still frequently contribute to an accident. Learning how to manage these risks is an important aspect of car accident prevention. They include:

Distractions

Most of us have cell phones on us all day long. While it may be tempting to text or talk to a friend while behind the wheel, put your phone down. Whatever the call or message, it can wait. The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute stated that 2,841 people were killed in vehicle crashes in 2018 alone due to distracted drivers.

For this reason, drivers should avoid cell phone use while driving. Other distractions can include eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio, or even talking to a passenger.

Speeding

Always follow the posted speed limit. Speeding can be especially dangerous for new drivers. Also, remember that speed limits are calculated based on ideal driving conditions. If driving at night or in the rain, reduce your speed below the posted limit.

Speed also affects the potential for damage if you are involved in a crash. For example, the injuries and damage caused by a crash at 30 miles per hour are likely to be less severe than those in a 55-mile-per-hour crash.

Driving at Night

No matter how experienced a driver you are, everyone should drive more cautiously at night. Hazards are harder to spot, and poor weather at night makes driving even more potentially dangerous. Consider avoiding driving at night when possible.

Nearly 50 percent of all fatal car crashes occur at night.

Hazardous Driving Conditions

Fog, ice, snow, slush, and rain will all affect roads and make driving more dangerous. If possible, don’t drive in these conditions. But if you must, please drive slower and be more aware on the road.

Additional Car Accident Prevention Tips

• Wear your seat belt. Buckle up every time you hit the road. No matter how short the drive, using your seat belt can be the difference between a minor injury and fatal crash. Crashes can happen anywhere at any time, whether you are on the highway or just going down the block.
• Pull into traffic slowly. Be extra observant and mindful of other drivers as you pull into traffic (such as when re-entering from the shoulder). With both hands on the wheel, look both ways at least twice before merging into traffic. Cars can come out of nowhere in a split second.
• Watch for people running red lights. A good rule is to count to three before entering an intersection on a green light after waiting at a red light. Just because the light is red doesn’t mean a driver is actually going to stop. Drivers should also always look left and right before entering an intersection. This will help spot anyone coming from either side of you trying to run a red light.
• Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel. Try not to switch radio stations, use your cell phone, or eat while driving. This causes you to take a hand — if not both — off the wheel. A strong gust of wind or hazard can occur in a split second. If you have your hands off the wheel, you risk losing control of your vehicle.
• Watch for kids. When driving in a parking lot or residential neighborhood, be mindful that a child could be around. Children are less visible and can emerge suddenly from between parked cars.
• Look behind you when backing out. Minor accidents in parking lots occur all the time because people fail to look at what’s behind them while backing out. Don’t depend on your mirrors. Instead, physically look over your shoulder when backing out so you can see blind spots.
• Check blind spots. Blind spots are a major cause of road accidents as well. Always do a quick check to your left or right before making a turn or changing lanes. A car or motorcycle may be right beside you but not be in your mirror’s view.
• Don’t tailgate. Give yourself a three-second cushion between your car and the car ahead of you. On the highway, it should be even more. No matter how late you are to your destination, resist the urge to tailgate. Tailgating is a major factor in many rear-end accidents.
• Be courteous to other drivers. We all have equal share and rights to the road, so avoid driving as though you own it. Don’t drive aggressively, and put safety first.