car accident

Road accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with nearly 1.3 million people dying in road crashes annually. On average, that’s about 3,287 road accident-related deaths per day. This doesn’t cover the 20-50 million drivers that are left injured or even disabled from a collision.

Although some causes of accidents seem easy to avoid with appropriate driving habits, it’s easy for anyone to become distracted behind the wheel. Therefore, this list of the top five causes of road accidents aims to remind everyone what the consequences are for any dangerous driving activity.

1) Distracted Driving

Contrary to the belief that drunk driving is the most common reason for road accident death, distracted driving actually accounts for 25% of all vehicle deaths annually. Teens are most responsible, with approximately 58% of teen crashes being the result of this form of reckless behavior.

Distracted driving mostly accounts for texting behind the wheel, but is generally defined as operating a motor vehicle while engaging in another activity. This can also include using a GPS, eating, searching for a lost item, applying makeup, or adjusting the stereo.

Each state has strict laws about distracted driving to prevent anyone from multitasking in their cars. It’s important to research and follow these laws to avoid serious consequences such as license suspension.

2) Speeding

The classic phrase “Speeding kills” has never been truer. It’s common for commuters or long-distance highway drivers to speed 10, 20, and over 30 miles per hour, but those in a hurry should consider how greatly speeding impacts a driver’s ability to react if an on-road obstacle comes their way.

Speed increases the impact and fatality of all accidents and can transform what could have been a light fender bender into a tragic death.

3) Drunk Driving

Thankfully drunk driving awareness and state preventative measures have only increased, but driving under the influence is still a serious problem in the United States. Alcohol-impaired drivers in the United States kill approximately 29 people each day.

Not only will drunk driving take the life of an innocent person, but it will also result in jail time, big fines, and legal fees for the convicted driver. Not to mention the ruined lives of the deceased’s friends and family. It’s a mess nobody should get into, which is why it’s important for everyone to consider how much-drunk driving has the potential to change dozens of lives in mere seconds.

4) Reckless Driving

Reckless drivers are either impatient commuters or thrill seekers who put everyone’s lives in jeopardy for their own gain. Reckless drivers have the potential to be ticketed, fined, and arrested for multiple offenses such as swerving between lanes, sudden stops, fast turns, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to signal.

Other drivers will find it difficult to react quickly to these driving decisions and may fail to avoid a reckless driver. A criterion for drivers should be allowing yourself and everyone around you enough time to react to unexpected hazards. Reckless driving sacrifices reaction time for unruly and unnecessary behavior.

5) Rain

Although a turbulent rainstorm can happen without warning or preparation, everybody can adjust their driving according to disorderly weather. However, many fail to adjust speed or allow additional time for breaking and therefore cause terrible accidents.

Rain-related accidents cause on average 556,151 crashes per year, which is 10% of all vehicle accidents. Anyone can prevent a weather-related accident like this by slowing down and ensuring all signaling and operative lights on a vehicle are working and being used properly.

Always Be Prepared

Although nobody ever wants to be involved in an accident, it’s important to always be prepared for the worst. Regardless of who’s to blame, accidents leave behind disastrous effects such as denial of coverage by insurance, property damage, large medical bills, and death.

If you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault and are struggling to receive proper compensation from the guilty party, insurance company, or car manufacturer, it’s critical to seek help and receive fair compensation. Finding a local legal team like Dennis Hernandez, one of the best in Tampa, will ensure protection during such a delicate time.