Almost every day of the year results in hundreds and thousands of injuries and nearly 35,000 deaths in the United States. As a matter of fact, traffic collisions are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the country.
It is imperative that people understand the main factors contributing to vehicular accidents, even bicycle lane accidents and be more responsible towards driving.
Here are the leading causes of traffic accidents that people should be aware of:
Over Speeding and Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is the undisputed number one reason of many vehicular accidents. Lots of campaigns have been launched to educate people the importance of following traffic rules. But there are just some people who wouldn’t listen.
Failure to follow speed limit is another common cause of accidents too.
Using Mobile Phones While Driving
It is just a big no-no! Texting while driving. The rapid increase in mobile users has resulted in an increased level of dangers on the road. As a response, the national and state legislatures passed anti-texting laws.
The judicial system also began to charge individuals who are texting while driving that resulted in deaths and manslaughter.
Other Forms of Driving Distractions
The most common type of distractions that result in traffic accidents include smoking, eating, listening to loud music, reaching for objects in the vehicle and or talking and looking at other passengers in the car.
Driver Fatigue
A recently published data shows that driver fatigue contributes 2.5 to 3 percent of all roadway related accidents in the United States. A person with a history of falling asleep while driving maybe prosecuted for a criminal offense.
Driving Under the Influence of Narcotic Substance
Studies show that driving under the influence of alcohol leads to 900 percent increase in the probability of car accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
High winds, icy roads, heavy rain that leads to slippery roads are the typical example of weather hazards that contribute traffic collisions.
Roadway Construction Defects
Improper roadway design results to hundreds of car accident fatalities every year. Parties that may be held liable include contractors for the improper installment of roadway signals and traffic lights.
Rubbernecking
It is another type of distraction where drivers look for other things in the road that is not related to driving. For example, watching sunsets, watching other accidents, etc.
Improper Coning of Road Off Of Construction Zones
While roadworks are needed to maintain and build transportation infrastructure but in some cases, construction workers failed to cordon off safely the construction zones resulting to increased probability of accidents.
Defective Mobile and Automobile Parts
Vehicle defects often cause injuries to drivers and passengers too. Tire defects, seatbelt defects, defective airbags and faulty Sports Utility vehicle makes vehicles more prone to accidents.
Takeaway
As always, preventions are better than cure. It pays to be responsible and vigilant when it comes road safety. Traffic rules aren’t there without purpose. Being cautious on the road will guarantee you not only a long life but also the safety of other people.
