Considering the number of cars that crowd the streets of congested cities, it’s almost amazing that drivers ever reach their destinations. Occasionally, though, you will see a terrible wreck that blocks traffic for miles. If you want to reach your destination safely and on time, consider the following top four causes of car accidents so that you can become a better driver.
Distracted Driving
Image via Flickr
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents. People chatting on their cell phones, playing with the radio, or eating behind the wheel make it harder for everyone to reach their destinations safely. In fact, some researchers have released statistics showing that distracted driving is one of the key reasons that car insurance rates rise in certain areas.
Keep your eyes on the road and stay aware of what other drivers are doing. You never know which driver is trying to finish a bagel while applying makeup and chatting with friends.
Speeding
Image via Flickr
Speeding not only makes accidents more likely, it makes them more deadly. When you drive over the speed limit, you reduce the amount of time you have to react to changes on the road. That could include a car entering your lane or a child running into the road. Regardless of what other drivers are doing, travel at a reasonable, legal speed.
Drunk Driving
Image via Flickr
Driving under the influence of alcohol slows reaction times and makes it harder for drivers to focus. Surprises on the road can lead to accidents even when you are completely sober. Those fast changes become much more difficult to navigate when you have been drinking.
You don’t have to be completely drunk to risk someone’s life. Even a couple of drinks can slow your reaction time considerably. That’s why so many states set the legal blood alcohol limit at .08 or below.
Driving in Inclement Weather
Image via Flickr
A sudden thunderstorm can take you by surprise while you’re out on the road. If the rain and wind obscure your vision of the road, then you can’t see the vehicles and obstacles around you. Inclement weather not only makes it harder to see the road and other people on the road, it can also throw dangerous obstacles in front of you. Tree limbs, garbage cans, and other items can quickly turn your neighborhood street into an obstacle course.
If possible, avoid driving in inclement weather. If you have any concerns about whether you can operate your vehicle safely, then wait a while for the weather to calm.
Driving accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving and inclement weather, however, are four of the leading causes of accidents. What are some of the other risks that you have seen cause accidents?
