Every single day, almost 3,700 people are killed or fatally injured in accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. A large majority of those motorists are underinsured or have no insurance at all.
Road accidents occur for a variety of different reasons, some that involve the driver, others that happen due to pedestrians, and many that are completely out of everyone’s control.
Many of these reasons are easily solvable, like wearing glasses if you have poor vision, but people still neglect them and risk their lives because of it.
Below is a list of some of the most common and leading reasons for vehicle accidents.
1. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes, whether that be failing to abide by the cautionary measures and rules of the road, racing other drivers on the road, or simply driving over the speed limit to get a rush of adrenaline, all can result in a fatal conclusion.
2. Intoxicated Driving
Drunk or intoxicated driving accounts for about 32 deaths in the United States alone. Drivers that are impaired by alcohol or any other harmful drugs have a significantly higher likelihood of being involved in a car accident.
3. Driving at Night
Driving at night is a lot riskier than driving during the day, especially if the road you’re on isn’t well lit and has minimal to no street lights, which is the case in many third-world countries. Being well-rested, driving slower, and driving extra carefully should prevent car accidents during nighttime.
4. Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are also one of the top causes of accidents in the US. Distracted driving accidents usually happen as a result of using a mobile behind the wheel, eating and drinking while driving, or not paying attention to the road.
Sometimes being distracted after a long ride and heading back home can cause problems too, like having accidentally locked your keys in the car.
5. Running Red Lights
Running red lights is never the right choice, regardless if you’re late for something very important. That is because they often result in side-impact crashes at high speeds which are worse than front-impact collisions and are usually fatal.
6. Unsafe Lane Changing
Drivers very often change lanes without looking properly at their surroundings and inaccurately assessing where some vehicles are on the road. This is typically the case for inexperienced and new drivers.
7. Vehicle Defects
Many drivers neglect their vehicles and don’t look after them as regularly as they should. Vehicle defects can cause accidents and deaths in two ways:
- Being the direct cause of the accident, like a malfunctioning steering wheel, malfunctioning brakes, tiring blowing out, etc.
- Causing further serious injuries or fatalities that could otherwise have been avoided, such as a seat belt not working as it should, or a failing airbag.
8. Weather and Road Conditions
A lot of times even the safest drivers can fall victim to fatal car accidents, without any error on their part. Slippery roads due to rain or snow, high wind speeds, thick fogs, and poorly maintained roads contribute to a huge amount of accidents worldwide.
