Some Common Causes of Vehicular Accidents

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Take a moment to ask yourself the question, "What is the most common cause of a vehicular accident?" When I did that, I was surprised with all the dangerous scenarios that went through my head. Driving is serious business, and awareness is critical. To avoid personal involvement in crashes, it's important to identify some common causes of vehicular accidents.

The most common cause of vehicular accidents is driver distraction. According to Mark Edwards, the Director of Traffic Safety at the American Automobile Association, "The research tells us that somewhere between 25-50 percent of all motor vehicle crashes in this country really have driver distraction as their root cause."

There are many reasons why a driver might become distracted. Sometimes drivers are rubbernecking. They slow down to watch something that is going on (such as a car crash). They take their eyes off the road and crash or have someone crash into them because of their changed speed. Drivers also become distracted while talking on cell phones or while dealing with other passengers. Other causes of distraction include: driver fatigue, adjusting the radio and checking out the scenery while driving.

Reckless Driving

Some accidents occur as a result of reckless driving. This could include speeding, cutting others off and tailgating. Drunk driving is another common example of reckless driving. If you get an injury in a vehicular accident that is a result of reckless driving, consider consulting a lawyer so you receive some compensation. You might want to go to a lawyer who specializes in specific injuries such a Sacramento brain injury attorney. 

Weather

It's easy to see how icy roads might lead to vehicular accidents, but weather impacts drivers in other ways as well. High winds make driving difficult, especially for those who drive trucks. Heavy rains can lead to limited visibility. Super-dry weather can also become a problem as roads dry out and oil pools the roads, creating slick spots.

Road Conditions

Although roadway design is rarely a cause of vehicular accidents, upkeep is a different matter. Roadway debris, faded road signs, signs hidden by foliage, potholes and construction all increase chances of vehicular accidents. Sanding is a problem as well. As the winter melts into spring, sand piles up on the roadways causing slippery conditions when one tries to apply brakes.

Knowing the most common causes of vehicular accidents helps you avoid them yourself. Keep alert, avoid distraction and remain aware of weather and road conditions to reduce your driving risk.