How To Mitigate These 4 Common Causes Of Car Accident

A car accident is one of the most unpleasant situations any car driver would want to avoid while on the road. Some car accidents are only minor, but unfortunately, some have major detrimental and life-threatening effects. The thing about car accidents is that even the most careful driver isn’t spared. The risk is always there, given the many hazards brought about by conditions within and beyond the driver’s control. 

If you’ve been in a car accident before, perhaps one of the most important lessons you’ll likely learn is to take note of your errors. But for those who are lucky enough to have avoided accidents, you should learn from other people’s mistakes. Start by becoming familiar with the common causes of car accidents so you can protect yourself in such cases. 

It might also be beneficial to seek the assistance of lawyers at Fasig | Brooks if you are dealing with serious injuries or property damage. But before you do that, you should read the following information to get some useful advice on how to mitigate any hazards brought on by car accidents:

1. Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is perhaps one of the top causes of car accidents globally. This fact isn’t surprising at all, given that more drivers than ever before are distracted while driving. The most common examples of situations that bring about distracted driving include: 

• Daydreaming, especially when the driver is quite stressed, agitated, or excited about an upcoming event; 
• Texting and calling while driving; 
• Adjusting radio and climate controls in the car; 
• Using a navigation app or system; 
• Talking to other passengers, singing, scolding noisy children. 

Distracted driving can easily be prevented by consciously focusing on driving before you even hit the road. If you have an important text message or call, pull over before opening your phone. When the kids are rowdy, you can also do the same as you try to pacify them. Get back on the road only when you’re sure you’re free from distractions. 

2. Drunk Driving 

Drunk driving is completely on the driver. No one else can be blamed for the irresponsible decision of one to drive despite being heavily intoxicated. The laws are adequate in terms of establishing penalties and fines for those who continue to drink and drive. However, this problem will still exist unless people start abiding by the law. 

Unfortunately, drunk driving doesn’t just result in minor collisions. Many incidents brought about by drunk driving almost always cause a major accident, bringing in serious and possibly fatal injuries. 

Never drink and drive to avoid being a nuisance to the general public. It’s a very basic decision that leaves a huge impact on the safety of other drivers. If you’re too drunk to drive, stay at your friend’s house for the night. Or hitch a ride. Better yet, make arrangements for a family member to pick you up if they’re willing.

3. Speeding 

Everyone seems to be living a very fast-paced life these days, with a constant need to be on the move. For instance, in order to arrive at work on time, people have to drive swiftly through rush hour traffic. Under these circumstances, it may be tempting to speed up and not consider the consequences. 

Unfortunately, speeding is another prevailing reason why fatal car accidents happen. But it’s all a matter of time management and ensuring you leave your home or location early to beat the traffic. Estimate the time you should leave your home so you can get to your destination without a hassle.  

4. Running A Red Light 

Traffic lights are there for a reason. They function as a control mechanism for traffic which helps preserve order on the road. When the red light is on, it’s important to pay attention to it. When you run a red light, the chance of meeting an accident is very high, especially when vehicles are given a go-light on a crossing that is perpendicular to your position. 

Stopping at a red light is not a waste of time and fuel. It’s a matter of safety. Running a red light doesn’t just jeopardize your safety but also that of the commuters around you. There’s no other way to mitigate its risks than to stay alert when driving and always follow the traffic rules.   

The Bottomline 

As you have read, car accidents are caused by a combination of driving errors and other factors. As a car driver, you should exercise greater restraint and be more cautious and responsible. Because you can’t control the other factors, it would be a good idea to be prepared in case an accident occurs. If you get unavoidably involved in an accident, you can speak with a lawyer to learn how to handle claims when necessary.