What Is The Leading Cause Of Fatal Car Accidents?

Transportation and civil laws prescribe a higher degree of diligence for motor vehicle drivers because of the risks involved in driving and traversing national highways. This explains why driving without a license, driving without wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence, and other common causes of fatal accidents are strictly punished by law. There is a high risk that you might damage properties or cause injury to another individual if you fail to observe extraordinary diligence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.35 million are killed due to road accidents around the world annually. Unfortunately, according to www.eastonlawoffices.com, even if our laws are construed and implemented strictly, collisions and fatal car accidents are inevitable. Despite the possibility of serving a longer jail time, people are still driving under the influence or driving recklessly without regard to pedestrians and their fellow motorists. And even if car safety mechanisms are improved yearly, fatal car crashes still occur.

While fatal accidents happen for a variety of reasons, some reasons are just more prevalent than others. Knowing and accepting the circumstances that are common among fatal car crashes might just help solve the problem.

Reasons Behind Fatal Car Accidents

Overspeeding

Speed limits are set for a reason, and all motorists must follow them. These limits can allow the driver to react appropriately to the situation facing them when driving on the highways. Those who love to raise their speed are only doubling their chances of being involved in car accidents that could kill them and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), overspeeding is a considerable factor contributing to almost ⅓ of all fatal vehicle collisions in the last 20 years.

Driving Under The Influence

If you’re driving under the influence, you’re not only endangering your life, but you’re also putting other people at risk. Regardless of your age and driving expertise, intoxicating substances can still impair your reaction time, alertness, and judgment. According to NHSTA, 28 people die due to DUI-related car crashes every 52 minutes.

Distracted Driving

Getting distracted while on the road can be an issue for anyone. Simple things like messing with hair or makeup, drinking, eating, switching radio stations, talking, and texting can keep the driver’s mind off the road. When this happens, they might not be able to see other cars or other pedestrians.

Driving requires the driver’s concentration and full attention. Getting distracted behind the wheels can only lead to fatal car accidents and other issues on the road. The risk of figuring out an accident is even greater at night when road visibility is significantly reduced. Among all the forms of distraction mentioned above, the most common is texting and calling. These non-driving tasks can also cause your consciousness to shift, making it hard to shift back.

Improper Change Of Lanes

There are different reasons why a driver changes lanes. However, improper lane changes often result from distracted driving, drowsiness, or severe medical conditions like stroke or a heart attack. Sadly, though not intentional, these incidents often result in deadly car crashes. If you fail to yield to another motorist’s right of way is also another cause for fatal car accidents. This is precisely the reason why one should always follow road rules.

Beating The Red Light And Disobedience To Traffic Rules

Again, there are reasons why stoplights and stop signs are on the road. Since you’re not the only one traversing the highway, these rules are necessary to keep the traffic flow in order. If you flagrantly disregard these signs and lights, you can cause inconvenience to other motorists.

Aside from that, you can also be the cause of deadly car accidents. The next time you drive, and you feel that itch to disobey traffic rules, think again. You might see yourself and your car flatten in an instant. Keep your eyes on the road and listen to what these signs are telling you.

Reckless Driving

Intentional, reckless driving accounts for over 30% of the total fatal car crashes on the road. This can mean unsafe passing, speeding, or weaving in and out of the road. This is very dangerous as it can destroy properties and claim innocent lives.

Now that you’re aware of the common causes of fatal car accidents, it’s time to observe precautions and drive more attentively. If you’re a victim of car accidents, or if you’re accused of drunk driving, seek the help of a seasoned lawyer and vindicate your rights.