Auto collisions in the United States are a common occurrence. There are almost 6 million car accidents each year on average. Today we cover the most common reasons for car accidents in the US and how you can avoid them.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?
Distracted Driving
“Distracted driving” can mean a variety of things, anything that takes your attention away from the road is considered distracted driving. Distracted driving comes in all shapes and sizes. This could range from using a cell phone while driving to reaching into your backseat while driving.
As technology has gotten more and more accessible, it’s not surprising that over 18% of auto accidents are caused by cellphones alone. That statistic includes drivers of all ages. Though it is not only cell phones causing all accidents. Distracted driving could be happening without you realizing it.
How to Avoid Driving While Distracted
It is important to remain focused on the road at all times to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. If you must stay “connected” to the world, ensure you are using a hands-free device, or connect to your vehicle via Bluetooth. If you need to grab something from your backseat, pull over safely, and continue your mission into your backseat.
Drunk Driving
Drunk/impaired driving is engaging in a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving causes nearly 30 deaths per day in the US. When calculated in 2019, almost 10,000 people were killed as a result of drunk driving.
So, what to do? How can I help?
Simple. DO NOT drink and drive. Plan ahead and ensure that you have transportation ahead of time.
Driver Fatigue
When most people think of fatigue, they think of falling asleep. But there are two types of fatigue when it comes to driving.
First, there is physical fatigue. This type of fatigue occurs when your body becomes fatigued usually from doing an exhausting activity.
The second and most dangerous type of fatigue is mental fatigue. Mental fatigue can occur for a variety of reasons such as boredom, but it can also be health-related. Often, these types of fatigue happen at the same time causing you to lose your cognitive ability to drive.
How to Avoid Driver Fatigue
There are a couple of things you can do to avoid driver fatigue-related accidents. If you feel your eyes getting heavy or you are having a hard time focusing on the road, this is driver fatigue. You can pull over and take a nap or you can switch drivers in the case you have that option.
What to Do if an Accident Occurs
In the case you are in an accident there are a few steps you must take after ensuring you and those around are safe. Many lawyers, including the ones we connected with at Flora Templeton Stuart, recommend taking photos of the accident scene. This will help you in the case circumstances result in court or dealing with an insurance company.
- Report the collision to authorities and wait for assistance
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the party/parties involved
Take note of the following:
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Color and model of vehicle
- Location of accident
- Contact information of any witnesses to the accident