Top Causes of Car Accidents: What You Need to Know

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death worldwide. Knowing the primary causes can help you take preventative measures to stay safe on the road. At Forward Law Group, APC, we are fully committed to helping you deal with the aftermath of an accident, but we also believe in the power of precaution. The following will highlight the leading causes of car accidents and tips on how to try to avoid them.

1. Distracted Driving

Distractions such as texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers take away your attention from the road. When you're not fully focused, your reaction times are slowed down, and the likelihood of an accident increases dramatically. Just a momentary lapse can result in a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone.

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

• Put Your Phone Away: You can utilize apps that block incoming messages while driving.
• Set Your GPS Before You Start: Ensure your route is programmed before you hit the road.
• Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

2. Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of accidents, as it reduces the driver's ability to react to sudden changes and increases the severity of collisions. The NHTSA reports that in 2022, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in 12,151 deaths.

How to Prevent Speeding

• Obey Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
• Plan Ahead: Leave early to avoid the temptation to speed.
• Use Cruise Control: On highways, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed.

3. Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and impairs your ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and maintain control of your vehicle. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 29 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver every day—that's one person every 45 minutes.

Preventing Drunk Driving

• Designate a Driver: If you plan to drink, arrange a sober driver.
• Use Rideshare Services: Opt for a taxi or rideshare service if you drink.
• Stay Overnight: If possible, stay overnight instead of driving home under the influence.

4. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves unpredictable maneuvers and aggressive behavior on the road that disregards the safety of others. This includes tailgating, changing lanes abruptly without signaling, and aggressive driving.

How To Prevent Reckless Driving

• Stay Calm: Avoid aggressive driving behaviors and stay calm, even if others around you are driving recklessly.
• Be Predictable: Always signal your intentions clearly and give other drivers ample space.
• Obey Traffic Laws: Follow all traffic laws and signs to ensure a safe driving environment.

5. Weather Conditions

Bad weather, including rain, snow, fog, and ice, significantly increases the risk of car accidents. Reduced visibility and slippery roads make it difficult to control your vehicle. According to NHTSA, 395 crashes were fatal in 2021, and approximately 22,325 injury crashes occurred due to snow/sleet conditions.

How to Avoid Accidents

• Slow Down: Reduce your speed in adverse weather conditions.
• Increase Following Distance: Leave more space between your car and the vehicle ahead.
• Use Headlights: Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.

6. Running Red Lights

Running red lights often results in severe T-bone collisions at intersections, which can cause injury, damage, and even death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that in 2019, 846 people were killed, and an estimated 143,000 were injured in crashes that involved red-light running.

Preventing Running Red Lights

• Stop on Red: Always stop at red lights, even if you're in a hurry.
• Be Cautious at Intersections: Slow down and prepare to stop as you approach an intersection.
• Look Both Ways: Check for cross traffic before proceeding on a green light.

7. Fatigue

Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue slows your reaction time and impairs your judgment, increasing the likelihood of an accident. The NHTSA reports that drowsy driving was responsible for 693 deaths, which is 1.6 percent of total traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2022.

Avoiding Fatigue While Driving

• Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you're well-rested before driving.
• Take Breaks: Take regular breaks to rest and stretch on long trips.
• Know Your Limits: Pull over and rest or switch drivers if you feel drowsy.

8. Tailgating

Tailgating is the practice of aggressively driving too closely behind another vehicle. When a driver tailgates, they reduce the time available to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions, leading to potential rear-end collisions. 

How to Avoid Tailgating

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe following distance, typically at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front.
• Be Patient: Avoid rushing and understand that tailgating won't get you to your destination faster.
• Anticipate Traffic Flow: Pay attention to the road ahead and anticipate changes in traffic flow.

9. Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes involve switching lanes without signaling or checking for other vehicles. Such behavior can lead to sideswipes, collisions, and multi-vehicle accidents, as other drivers may not have enough time to react. 

Avoiding Improper Lane Changes

• Use Turn Signals: Always signal your intentions before changing lanes.
• Check Blind Spots: Look over your shoulder to check blind spots before making a move.
• Change Lanes Smoothly: Ensure you have enough space to change lanes without cutting off other drivers.

10. Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers, including teens and new drivers, are more likely to be involved in accidents due to their lack of experience and sometimes overconfidence. NHTSA reports that 1,885 young drivers in 2022 died in traffic crashes, which is a 17-percent increase compared to 2019, with 1,616 deaths.

Preventative Measures

• Practice Safe Driving: New drivers should practice under various conditions to build experience.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course: Consider taking a course to learn advanced driving techniques.
• Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and stay alert, especially when you're still gaining driving experience.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Understanding the top causes of car accidents is the first step towards attempting to avoid them. By staying informed and practicing safe driving habits, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. At Forward Law Group, our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles are dedicated to providing support in the event of an accident. For more information or assistance, contact us today for a free consultation.