Although driving requires a great degree of concentration and responsibility, many drivers engage in dangerous activities that increase the possibility of accidents. Every action done behind the wheel influences the safety of everyone on the road. Knowing the common causes of accidents will help to reduce this risk.
Many times, drivers involved in accidents fail to understand that their actions might have long-term effects on others, especially pedestrians. This is why pedestrian accident lawyers handle cases in which careless driving results in catastrophic injuries.
The sections below talk about a few actions of motorists that increase the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, which has grown to be a main cause of accidents, is among the riskiest actions one can do while driving. Drivers eat while driving, change their car settings, or use cell phones—all of which divert their focus from the road. A few seconds of distraction can cause one to miss important signals, such as those from a pedestrian crossing or a sudden car stop ahead.
There are other distractions than technology. Accidents also result from daydreaming, passenger interaction, and too focused attention on outside events—also known as rubbernecking. The chance of collision increases greatly when one’s focus shifts from the road for even a moment.
Speeding
Another main cause of accidents is speeding, which is especially dangerous since it limits a driver’s capacity for quick reaction to hazards. Driving above the posted speed means less time to react to hazards, including a pedestrian crossing the curb or another car stopping suddenly.
Drivers who speed above the posted limit also aggravate the severity of any ensuing collisions. Faster speeds lessen the efficacy of safety devices, including airbags and seat belts, thereby increasing the severity of injuries in a collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Surprisingly, this is still a common problem. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol causes countless accidents annually. These drugs affect a driver’s reaction time, coordination, and judgment, compromising their ability to safely negotiate even familiar roads.
Many times, drunk drivers act carelessly, running red lights or accelerating, raising the likelihood of serious accidents. Some drivers still drive under the influence in spite of many public awareness campaigns and legal actions. These drivers endanger not just themselves but also everyone else using the road.
Driver Fatigue
Another major cause of accidents is driver fatigue, especially during nighttime or on long trips. Like those driving under the influence of alcohol, fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, lesser attention, and poorer decision-making. Under extreme circumstances, a motorist might even nod off at the wheel.
Drivers should recognize when they are too tired to drive and take a break. Particularly vulnerable to tiredness are long-distance drivers and those with irregular sleep patterns. Failure to deal with this issue might result in serious accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Many times, aggressive driving habits, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and speeding, can lead to collisions. Drivers who act out of annoyance or frustration are more likely to collide, compromising themselves and everyone around them.
In addition to increasing the risk of accidents, aggressive driving leads to conflict among drivers, which occasionally leads to road rage. Obeying road safety guidelines and staying composed helps prevent aggressive driving. Safe driving practices also have a role in reducing the number of accidents caused by careless or impatient drivers.
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