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What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Posted on: January 9, 2023

Although technological advances in vehicle and traffic safety have improved over the past few decades, car accidents are still a common occurrence, and the majority of those accidents are preventable. While it is true that some accidents are unavoidable, the most common causes of car accidents are related to human error.

It is imperative that drivers understand the leading causes of car accidents. Since most are due to human error, knowing the top causes of crashes are helpful in preventing them:

  • Distracted driving: A distraction can be anything that takes a driver’s focus away from the task at hand, including eating or drinking, looking at the GPS, even a conversation with a passenger. The biggest culprit in distracted driving accidents is phone usage.
  • Speeding: Going above the speed limit minimizes the amount of stopping time a driver has, as well as lessens one’s control over their own vehicle. Speeding makes it difficult for the driver to make clear and rational decisions in time.
  • Drunk driving: Alcohol dulls one’s ability to judge distances, react in time, and causes other cognitive issues. Drinking and driving is never okay and is often deadly, so if you do drink, make sure you have a sober ride home either through family, a friend, taxi, or ridesharing app.  
  • Reckless driving: Weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating others or cutting other cars off are all examples of reckless driving. If you spot a reckless driver, try to maintain as much distance as possible between yourself and them.
  • Rain and weather: A wet road can cause tires to slip and lose their grip, reducing the control for drivers and increasing their crash risk. It is worse when the driver is going too fast, or their vehicle is not maintained well; even an underinflated tire can cause adverse driving conditions in the rain.

How to Avoid Getting into an Accident?

Road safety is largely up to the drivers, as the top causes of car accidents are due to human error. To decrease the chances of getting into an accident, you could:

  • Slow down: Drive defensively by slowing down and obeying the speed limit and leaving plenty of space between yourself and others.
  • Maintain your vehicle: Performing proper maintenance on your vehicle promotes better performance, as well as improves handling and stopping ability.
  • Be aware of road conditions: Be mindful of what to expect before heading out on the road and prepare accordingly.  
  • Reduce distractions: Do not use your phone while driving. Reduce other distractions by not eating and drinking or setting your GPS before starting the car.
  • Never drink and drive: Get a designated driver or a cab.
  • Stay calm: Anger can lead to making quick and often unadvised decisions, so keep calm when driving and never take another driver’s actions personally.

Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law, P.C. Help Accident Victims Injured by Negligence

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to further compensation. Let the Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law, P.C. help you. Call us today at 732-308-0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in Freehold, New Jersey, we proudly serve all clients of Freehold, Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.

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