The act of driving doesn’t come without its share of risks—and accidents are among the most dangerous of them all. Not only do these incidents put you in harm’s way, but they have the possibility of injuring others around you as well. Because of this, it’s essential you know what behaviors to avoid and what to look out for from other drivers as you set out on your next trip. These are some of the most common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the number one creator of hazardous situations on the road. Classified as anything that can take your attention off the world around you, distraction leads to delayed response times and reckless driving behaviors. In fact, distracted drivers have been known to change lanes suddenly and force other cars around them to respond. So, if you notice one of these drivers, one of the things you can do is to create distance between you and them.
Drunk Driving
Impaired driving is also a serious threat. While some of the behavioral patterns are similar to those of distracted drivers, drunk drivers simply aren’t in the physical or mental condition to drive effectively. This means that they’re even more unpredictable and have the potential to cause severe incidents. Accidents of this kind can be so devastating that injured parties often file lawsuits to seek financial compensation.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is considered a common cause of car accidents as well because the driver is failing to follow the most basic rules of the road. This type of behavior includes things such as going over the speed limit, not stopping at stop signs, and even driving through red lights. All of these occurrences put their car in the way of other drivers—which increases their chances of getting hit or hitting someone else. As such, if you see one of these individuals, be on high alert.
Inclement Weather
Even the weather can greatly raise your chances of getting into a car accident. This is due to the effects of precipitation and temperature on the road. When the pavement is slipperier than usual, it’s much harder for the vehicle’s tires to maintain traction. For this reason, it’s easier for your car to slide and crash into with someone else’s. Therefore, being aware of the current road conditions, and changing your driving accordingly, is the key to staying safe.
