Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents often result in a range of devastating outcomes, including permanent injuries, loss of earnings, and significant emotional distress.

At The Law Offices of Julian Lewis Sanders & Associates, our aim is to help you understand the leading causes of car accidents, which include distracted driving, drunk driving, and reckless driving.

By educating you on these causes, we hope to help you take preventive measures to avoid such tragic incidents.

Understanding the common factors, such as driver error, poor weather conditions, and aggressive driving behavior, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Our team of experienced accident lawyers is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources necessary to prevent needless car accidents and protect your well-being.

Table Of Contents

• Drunk Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Inexperienced Drivers
• Speeding
• Aggressive Drivers
• Drowsy Driving and Driver Fatigue
• Drug Impairment
• Adverse Weather Conditions
• Street Racing
• Contact Us

Leading Causes For Car Accidents

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a significant contributor to road accidents, as alcohol impairs the driver's ability to focus and make sound judgments.

The influence of alcohol on a driver's reaction times increases the risk of car accidents.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only a top cause of motor vehicle accidents but also a significant factor in fatal car accidents.

It is crucial to avoid drunk driving by using a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service when planning to drink.

Additionally, it's essential to be aware of other drunk drivers on the road and to report any suspected impaired driving to authorities.

By taking these preventative measures, you can help reduce the incidence of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, including texting and talking while driving, is a prevalent issue on American roads.

However, distracted driving extends beyond just texting or talking on the phone.

It also encompasses activities such as reading emails, applying makeup, reaching for objects in the car, eating, and driving while drowsy.

These distractions can significantly reduce a driver's attention to the road and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Driver distraction is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, and it's essential to eliminate distractions while driving to ensure road safety.

Maintaining focus on the road and avoiding any activities that divert your attention can help prevent accidents and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.

Inexperienced Drivers

Driving proficiency typically develops over time through consistent practice.

However, the continuous influx of new drivers, including young and inexperienced individuals, adds to the challenges on the road.

Teenage drivers, in particular, are often susceptible to engaging in risky behaviors such as speeding or aggressive driving.

Their lack of experience and understanding of road safety can lead to motor vehicle accidents, making them a high-risk group.

As a result, insurance companies often impose higher premiums on teen drivers to account for the increased risk.

To mitigate these risks, parents or guardians must have open and honest conversations with their teenage drivers about the importance of responsible driving.

Setting clear expectations and providing guidance on safe driving practices can help young drivers develop the skills and judgment necessary to navigate the roads safely and avoid accidents.

Speeding

Speeding is a dangerous driving behavior that often results from running late.

Speeding is a significant contributor to fatal motor vehicle crashes, accounting for approximately one-third of such incidents.

When a driver exceeds the speed limit, the vehicle requires more time and distance to stop, and the driver has less control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents.

Speeding also reduces reaction times, making responding to unexpected obstacles or changes in road conditions more challenging.

To avoid the dangers associated with speeding, it is essential to prioritize proper planning and time management for your trips.

By allowing sufficient time for travel and adhering to speed limits, you can enhance road safety and reduce the likelihood of being involved in a speed-related accident.

Aggressive Driving

According to data compiled by the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving is a significant factor in road safety, contributing to around 55% of accidents. 

Aggressive driving behaviors encompass a range of dangerous actions, including speeding, tailgating, brake checking, cutting other drivers off, swerving in your vehicle, and exhibiting road rage. 

These behaviors increase the risk of accidents and escalate the severity of crash-related injuries and fatalities. 

Practicing safe driving habits and remaining calm behind the wheel is essential to avoid aggressive driving. 

Drivers can significantly reduce accident risks and promote safer driving by avoiding dangerous behaviors and maintaining respect for other road users.

Drowsy Driving and Driver Fatigue

Drowsy driving is a major cause of accidents, and driver fatigue leads to decreased alertness and slower reaction times. 

Tired drivers, including those working long hours or with sleep disorders, pose a real danger on the road. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that  684 people died in crashes involving drowsy drivers in 2021. 

To prevent such needless car accidents, drivers should ensure they are well-rested before getting behind the wheel and take breaks on long journeys.

Drug Impairment

Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair cognitive and motor skills, leading to traffic crashes. 

Drug impairment is a common type of driver error that contributes to several accident statistics. 

The influence of drugs can be as dangerous as drunk driving, leading to fatal accidents and severe injuries. 

Drivers should be aware of the effects of their medications and avoid driving if they are impaired.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions, such as icy roads, heavy rain, and fog, can lead to hazardous driving conditions. 

Inclement weather affects road safety by reducing visibility and traction, increasing the risk of accidents. 

Drivers should reduce speed and increase the following distance in adverse weather conditions to prevent accidents.

Street Racing

Illegal street racing is a form of aggressive driving that often results in high-speed crashes. 

Street racing encourages dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, reckless driving, and ignoring traffic signals, leading to accident deaths and severe injuries. 

Law enforcement agencies are working to combat this dangerous activity by imposing strict penalties on those caught street racing.

Contact Us

These are just a few of the most common causes of car accidents.

Prioritizing safety and utilizing preventive measures to avoid being involved in these accidents is crucial.

If you've sustained injuries in a car accident and need to seek rightful compensation, The Law Offices of Julian Lewis Sanders & Associates are here to assist.

Contact us at 1-855-572-6337 or visit our website for a complimentary consultation.

Our initial consultation is free, underscoring our commitment to your cause.

We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect fees after securing an accident settlement for you.

Trust our experienced accident lawyers to advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.