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Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. Even though the number of fatalities has decreased in recent years, serious injuries continue to rise. This article will explore the most common causes of car accidents and some eye-opening statistics.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a term used to describe drivers who operate their vehicles carelessly or dangerously. This can include speeding, tailgating, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic. Reckless driving can lead to serious car accidents and is considered a common cause of death for young people in the United States. Any car accident attorney Chicago offers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries if you’ve been involved in a reckless driving accident. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you file a lawsuit if necessary.
Driver Error
Driver error is another leading cause of car accidents. For example, drivers who fail to obey traffic laws, like speed limits and road signs, cause confusion for other drivers and cause collisions. Other common driver errors include improper turns, failure to use turn signals, and misunderstanding car features. Features like side mirrors, rearview mirrors, and seats need to be adjusted properly to avoid blind spots.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a massive problem in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2020. There are three types of distractions: manual, visual and cognitive. Manual distractions include things like texting or eating while driving. Visual distractions involve looking at something other than the road ahead, such as GPS screens or passengers in the car. Cognitive distractions happen when your mind is occupied with something else, and you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing behind the wheel. Talking on the phone is an example of a cognitive distraction. Drowsy driving is another major distraction. Drowsiness slows down a driver’s reaction time and increases the risk of getting into an accident.
There are many things drivers can do to avoid being distracted behind the wheel. Putting your phone away and turning it off is a good start. If you need to use it for navigation, put it in a place where you won’t be able to see it or touch it while driving. Pull over safely if you need to take a call or send a text message. And always pay attention to what’s happening on the road around you—don’t let yourself get lost in your thoughts while you’re driving.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is another serious problem. The NHTSA reports that 11,654 people were killed in drunk driving accidents. Drunk driving occurs when a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream, of .08 or higher. A driver can be charged with drunk driving if their BAC is .08 or higher, regardless of whether the driver was impaired.
There are many dangers associated with drunk driving, as they are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes. In fact, drunk drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than sober drivers. Drunk drivers can also cause accidents by weaving in and out of traffic or hitting other cars. They may also cause accidents by running red lights or stop signs and striking pedestrians. When these accidents occur, innocent people can suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives.
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to know what caused it. This can help you in your case against the other driver. If you can prove that the other driver was at fault, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries.