The Top Causes For Automobile Accidents

Automobile Accident

Automobile accidents happen every day in this country, many of which cause great personal injury for those on the receiving end. While some of these accidents are caused by circumstances outside of the driver's control, most of them are caused by driver negligence. According to car accident research and reports, these are the biggest causes of accidents:

Distracted Drivers

We are all guilty of it at one point or another. The phone rings. You're tired after a long day at work. Rambunctious children in the back seat. The radio isn't playing the song you like. And the biggest distraction of all? Rubbernecking. It only takes a split second to become distracted and to inflict personal injury onto yourself and others. Another big distraction on the roads is cell phone use. It's become such a problem, that states like New York have made it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving (unless you are using a hands free device).

Driver fatigue

Statistics say that fatigued drivers account for roughly 100,000 auto accidents each year. Such a seemingly small detail as being tired should be examined before you get behind the wheel of a car, in order to make sure you are fit to operate it. When taking long trips, it is important to remember to take frequent breaks and to even share the driving responsibilities. That way you can stay as sharp as possible and can keep yourself from becoming the cause of an accident.

Drunk Driving

This is probably the most thought about issue surrounding auto accidents. Almost 17,000 people a year are killed by those who decide to get behind the wheel of a car after having too much to drink. This gross negligence can lead to convictions with serious jail time involved, even charges of involuntary manslaughter. It doesn't go without saying, don't drink and drive. You are putting not only your life in danger, but the lives of others too.

Speeding

When speeding, your reaction time for stopping and avoiding accidents is greatly reduced. Not only do you have a reduced reaction time, impacts at high speeds can create a much more violent accident resulting in a greater chance for personal injury.

Aggressive Driving

We've all been there, cut off by an aggressive driver or maybe even possibly struck by one. The New York state police define an aggressive driver as someone who "Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways." Your best line of defense in avoiding any accidents that may cause you harm is to hang back and allow the aggressive driver to move away from you on the road.

Weather

Inclement weather, especially rain and fog, can cause difficult problems for you on the road. Fog can cause you to not see any potential dangers, such as other cars and pedestrians, until it is too late. Heavy downpours cause their own set of issues such as hydroplaning, which can severely challenge your reaction time. When weather makes it too difficult to drive, the best course of action is to always wait it out on the side of the road until it is safe enough for yourself, your passengers and other commuters on the road.

These simple tips can go a long way to keeping you and your family safe on the road, as well as assist you from causing personal injury to others. Should you be injured in an automobile accident, it is always a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer.