Picture this… you’re in the car alone driving down a familiar road in your town, and it just happens. The next thing you remember is seeing your life flash before your eyes, brake lights, and probably your brake squealing if you remember to step on it. Before you know it, you might be in a hospital and your loved ones with teary eyes.
How should you have known that would happen, or how could you have prevented that situation? It is understandable that sometimes, being involved in car accidents might be the fault of a third party, but other times, you might have caused it. If you understand the detrimental effects a car accident will cause, it is best to know its cause and how to prevent it, which in turn will help reduce road fatalities.
What Causes Car Accidents, and How Can They Be Prevented?
Reinforcing awareness about common causes of car accidents will hopefully educate drivers and car owners on how to prevent them. As a reader of this article, find below some causes of car crashes and ways you can prevent them from happening:
- DUI (driving under the influence)
Drugs and alcohol affect your motor skills, which affects your ability to drive. People who are intoxicated tend to exaggerate their sobriety, which is why you frequently see them driving.
They may not notice how fast they are driving, or they might not respond quickly to anything unexpected. Additionally, they might hit a pedestrian who is on the right path or keep driving even with the red light on.
- Distracted driving
Distracted driving covers wide areas of distraction, such as texting, eating or drinking, or taking eyes off the road to watch a scene while driving. Understandably, there is quite a range of distractions, but they can be prevented for your sake and others. You will not drive forever, so, in the meantime, while driving, get rid of anything that could distract you, even your thoughts.
In addition, please do not drive if you are sleepy too.
- Speeding
We all know speeding is bad, right? This is not a movie like Fast and Furious; this is reality on a highway. Exceeding speed limits will cause you and others more harm than good. So, quit showing off how fast you can drive and save a life. Keep following the speed limit, and do not put yourself in a situation where you will run a red light.
- Bad weather
Why should you drive during bad weather if you are not part of a rescue team? It happens that sometimes, the weather can suddenly change despite forecasting a clear day. When that happens, ensure you find the nearest shelter. If you must drive, slow down and use your headlights.
- Night driving
The world is still trying to prevent daytime car accidents, and you do not want to add to that hassle by driving at night, especially if it is from one state or town to another and if you hate night driving. Just continue or start your journey the next day.
Conclusion
If you have ever been in a car crash, know that some laws exist to deal with the at-fault driver and compensation for damages, although these laws vary among states. “Deciding who is to blame and what caused the vehicle accident is just the first step in the process,” says personal injury attorney Joseph G. Kopfler of Kopfler & Hermann. However, ensure you consult a lawyer right away if you are involved in an accident.
Source: Kopfler & Herman Law, Louisiana
Great article! It provides valuable insights into the common causes of car accidents, such as distracted driving, DUI, and speeding, and practical tips for prevention. The advice on being cautious during bad weather and night driving is especially useful. This blog is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their road safety knowledge.