The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents and How to Prevent Them

In the last 10 years, vehicle advancements have greatly improved. We now have vehicles with backup cameras, blind spot detection, adaptive headlights, lane assist the list goes on, but unfortunately, car crashes still happen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 36,560 people were killed on the roads in 2018. There were 2.71 million crash victims who sustained injuries that required a visit to a medical professional.

Most crashes don’t necessarily have to do with knowing how to drive a vehicle but with the decisions that a driver makes behind the wheel. About 94% of all road accidents are caused by human error.

We can take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of a crash

Drunk Driving

On average, 29 people are killed each day due to drunk driving.  Deaths related to drunk driving have lessened in recent years due to educational efforts.

Speeding

Speed-related crashes are very common. Be mindful of your speed and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely and on time.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

About 40% of vehicle crashes occur at intersections because of other drivers running a red light or stop sign. Be sure to clear the intersection.

Reckless driving

Purposely failing to abide by cautionary measures, blatantly disregarding the safety and/or property of others, and switching lanes too quickly are some characteristics of reckless driving.

Aggressive Driving

NHTSA’s definition of aggressive driving is a combination of moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property.

Fatigue

Downright exhaustion, drowsiness, or sleepiness can impair a driver’s ability to competently respond, react or discern conditions around them on the road.