Car accidents are an all too common part of adult life in the United States. While many car crashes are minor, many are not. There are dozens of reasons why someone might get into an accident, but fortunately many of them are avoidable. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence is hands down one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. Individuals convicted of driving under the influence are some of the riskiest drivers to insure. This means driving drunk has serious consequences both on and off the road. If you plan on drinking, be sure to make alternative travel plans. Public transportation or a designated driver are easy ways to avoid tragedy out on the road.
Distracted Driving
There are many reasons why a driver might be distracted while on the road. If you’re tired, eating, or messing with your phone, your focus isn’t on the road. Even looking away for a couple of moments is enough to cause an accident. While there are safer ways to do these things—like using voice controls or packing snacks in easy-to-access containers—the only guaranteed way to avoid distracted driving is by keeping your focus on the road.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving consists of speeding, changing lanes quickly or cutting other drivers off, and otherwise driving recklessly. While people who drive this way don’t intend to hurt others, impatience and carelessness often leads to accidents with other vehicles. If you catch yourself acting frustrated and aggressive on the road, remember to calm down and take your time so you and your fellow drivers get to your destinations safely.
Bad Weather
Many car crashes are a result of bad weather or road conditions. Fog, rain, snow, and heavy winds are all dangerous to drive through. Even if the weather is currently fine, ice or puddles of water from a previous storm can still make the road slippery and cause accidents. While you can’t control the weather, you can be sure to drive carefully in these conditions.
