Many accidents can be prevented, if you focus on avoiding certain hazards and common distractions. Here are some tips on avoiding the five most common causes of car accidents:
.
1. Distracted Driving
.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) gathers data on common causes of car accidents. Distracted driving is a very common cause of accidents, that is easily preventable. Some examples of distracted driving are: texting, eating, reading, watching a video, playing with the radio, and more. What many do not know is that using a cell phone, impairs your reaction times as much as if you had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 (the legal limit for being drunk). This risk exists, even if using hands-free settings.
.
According to the NHTSA, cell phone use was reported in 18 percent of distracted-driving fatal crashes. Texting takes your eyes away from the road for 4.6 seconds on average. Picture reaching 55 mph during this, you will have traveled the length of a football field without looking. It’s become so common, they now have a prevention slogan posted by toll-booths, “Drive now, Text Later.”
.
2. Buzzed and Drunk Driving
.
Sadly, every year thousands are injured or killed because of a drunk driver.
Even those that are not problem drinkers can put lives at risk, by driving under the influence of alcohol. Even well before someone’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reaches the legal limit, they will be experiencing decreased abilities to operate a vehicle, such as poorer reflexes, and slower reaction times. The rate people reach 0.8 BAC varies in men and women, as well as the time passed since the last drink. Play it safe, whenever drinking alcohol, pick a sober driver or take a cab home.
.
3. Road Rage
.
Whenever another driver angers you and you want to act on it behind the wheel, consider if it’s worth the hassle or expense of an accident While it’s tempting to do something in this instance, like cutting off the other driver and then slowing down to frustrate them, it’s important to think it through first. What if that action could put you or someone else at a higher risk of an accident?
.
4. Unsafe Road Conditions
.
All of us are aware that rain and snow can create road hazards, however unsafe road conditions are not always obvious. It’s especially important to drive more slowly and cautiously right after rain begins, or when large pools form on the road. On snowy days, try to wait until the salt trucks have gone out. Also, curves can create a hazard when other drivers do not slow down going into the curve, or if a biker or parked car causes them to veer into the lane of oncoming traffic. Finally, construction zones and detours can present dangers.Focus on automatically slowing down when you see orange signs showing construction.
.
5. Rear Collisions
.
Another common cause of car accidents involves tailgating or speeding. These actions on an expressway could result in a large multi-car crash.
.
It’s important, while driving to avoid any unnecessary distractions. Taking your attention away from the road to look at your passenger for a few seconds, or change the radio station, could be just long enough to look up to see you got into a rear collision.
.
These common accidents, result in over twenty percent of all car crashes. If you have been the victim of a car accident, don’t delay. Call a Chicago IL personal injury lawyer today!
.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian for their insight into five common causes for car accidents.