Preventing Automotive Accidents – 6 Common Causes of Car Accidents

August 6, 2015 @ 9:33 am

car-wreckNumerous actions and situations can substantially increase the risk of traffic accidents, some of which include texting, eating, snowy weather, drinking alcohol and tailgating. Furthermore, heavy rain contributes to many accidents and substantially increases a vehicle’s braking distance.

Here are the top six common causes of car accidents that all drivers should avoid:

1. Texting While Driving

According to the National Safety Council, individuals who text and drive are four times more likely to be involved in an accident. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous because it involves visual, manual and cognitive distraction. The NSC also estimates at least 1.6 million crashes each year come from drivers using cell phones. If an individual files an auto accident lawsuit, an experienced attorney can typically obtain the phone records of each vehicle operator.

2. Eating

Any time drivers takes their eyes off the road an accident can occur. Eating, or drinking a beverage, can decrease a driver’s reaction time. Drivers are twice as likely to be involved in an accident while eating behind the wheel. If a drink spills in the automobile, the risk of an automotive accident triples while the driver attempts to clean the spill.

3. Drinking Alcohol

When a person consumes two standard drinks, the level of alcohol in the individual’s blood will generally not be above the legal limit; however, one alcoholic beverage can cause the muscles to relax and slightly dull the senses. After an individual consumes an alcoholic drink, the person should not drive for at least one hour.

4. Tailgating

Many rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely. Drivers are more likely to tailgate on highways that are close to urban areas than on streets in a city, and if multiple drivers are tailgating on a freeway, a resulting car accident will typically involve more than three vehicles.

5. Rainy Weather

During rainstorms, an automobile’s tires are unable to grip the road effectively. If a vehicle is traveling at a high speed, the car could hydroplane, and an automobile’s brakes will not typically stop the vehicle from hydroplaning. Additionally, moderate rainfall can decrease an operator’s overall visibility.

6. Lack of Sleep

If you sleep for less than seven hours, your levels of cortisol can notably rise, and your reaction time could be reduced. A recent study indicated that sleep deprivation is a contributing factor to more than 20 percent of the auto accidents in the United States. Furthermore, the same report showed that approximately 50 percent of the study’s participants regularly drive while they are drowsy.

For more than 40 years, Morrow, Morrow, Ryan and Bassett has handled auto accident lawsuits of all types, and provides free consultations for new clients. To find out additional information about the services that an auto accident attorney can provide, contact us by completing the form on our website or call 800-356-6776.

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