The National Highway Traffic Administration mentions that one car accident happens every minute in the United States. That works out at about five million per year!
But what are the causes of car accidents? Well, it’s no surprise that all of these accidents are not the same. There is an abundance of reasons why people crash in their vehicles; in fact, way too many to cover in this article.
Instead, we’ll discuss some of the more common ways in which people become involved in car crashes. So let’s now run through those reasons.
Driving Drunk
One of the most obvious ways of getting in a car accident is when people decide to drink, become drunk, and then get behind the wheel. And, it is the number one cause of fatal crashes in the U.S.
Getting behind the wheel while with alcohol in your system impairs your ability to react and your alertness fades. In extreme cases, people blackout and pass out behind the wheel and end up rearing into oncoming traffic. As a result, horrendous injuries and fatalities are associated with these accidents.
Being Distracted Behind the Wheel
As much as drink driving plays a large role in the accidents that happen in the United States, distracted driving is also one of the major car accident causes. We’re talking about things like people using their cell phones for various things while driving. But, a driver’s GPS and radio can also distract them enough to cause them to crash.
Essentially, being involved in anything else other than focusing on driving is dangerous. It’s almost the same as drunk driving where your ability to react and alertness reduces.
Defective Auto Components
It can happen where auto components fail while people are driving. This might be a fault of their own for not getting their vehicle checked properly. Or, if they don’t fix an issue they know of soon enough.
However, you can also hold manufacturers responsible for faulty components, or entities in the distribution chain. Learn more here about what to expect in this type of liability case situation.
Bad Weather
The elements can make driving far more hazardous than usual at times. In colder climates, people have to contend with ice and snow, which, of course, will cause auto accidents.
Some regions may experience heavy rain and fog, which can reduce visibility and inhibit people from driving as safely as they like. Furthermore, storms and fast winds can bring about road hazards that can appear on unexpected sections of roads causing accidents.
Some Common Causes of Car Accidents Explained
Now you should have a clearer idea of the common causes of car accidents in the United States. For the most part, it’s when people become less alert and distracted; whether that’s from drinking too much or something else.
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