Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are many factors that can contribute to an auto accident. The most common causes are reviewed below.

Speeding

Speeding is a combination of many dangerous elements. Not only does a driver have less control of a car that is speeding, but the length of time available to avoid an accident is lessened, while the severity of a crash is increased. Based on findings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the energy released in a crash doubles from a 40 mile per hour speed to a 50 mile per hour speed. This increased energy makes the potential for severe injuries or even death much more likely in the event of a crash. 

Drunk Driving

It is estimated that there is one death every half hour as the result of a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Drunk drivers are responsible for almost a third of all highway fatalities! This figure is elevated on the weekends, when drivers under the influence of alcohol cause more than half of all fatal crashes.

Driver Fatigue

Sleep deprived or otherwise drowsy drivers account for more than 100,000 auto accidents every year in the United States. The hours between 11 pm and 8 am have the greatest risk, and in the afternoon between noon and 2 pm.

Distracted Drivers

Studies indicate that approximately 25-50 percent of all auto accidents in the U.S. are caused by driver distraction. Rubbernecking – or craning your neck to gawk at an accident – often plays a role in driver distraction. Cell phones are another culprit that account for a large number of accidents caused by driver distraction. Fiddling with the radio is a major contributor, as is looking at scenery, and distractions caused by other passengers in the vehicle.

Aggressive Driving

Road rage is a major cause of auto accidents. Aggressive driving behaviors include tailgating, repeated lane changes, rude gestures, and much more.

If you are injured or someone you love is killed in an auto accident caused by another party's negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to review your case.