No matter how many safety features your car has, you’ll be in danger if you get distracted behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a primary cause of motor vehicle accidents. And these accidents can leave you, other drivers, and pedestrians with serious injuries…or worse. Pedestrian accidents are a common, everyday occurrence in major cities. Even when pedestrians survive these collisions, they are often left with disabling, debilitating injuries for which they may need to undergo lengthy treatment or costly rehabilitation. If you cause injury to someone else due to negligence or wrongdoing, you could be liable for providing compensation for their losses.
Most people overestimate their ability to do multiple things at the same time. One thing’s for sure: your total focus should be on driving safely while on the roadway. That’s it. You share the road with other drivers, so you’ll want to be courteous and careful to avoid problems. Many major causes of accidents can easily be avoided if drivers focus on driving their vehicles.
Do you know the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents–and what motorists can do to remain safer on the highways and roadways? Keep on reading to find out more.
Driving Too Fast
It likely won’t surprise you to learn that excessive speed is one of the main reasons for road accidents. Even if your car has the best safety features, you won’t be safe if you have a perpetually heavy foot and consistently exceed the legal speed limit. Speed boosts the chances of accidents and increases the severity of the accidents and the resulting injuries.
Do yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians a favor by refraining from driving too fast. It’s not worth the risk. And you’ll be in trouble if you’re charged with causing an accident due to speed. In addition to possible jail time, you could also face fines and even get your license suspended.
Distractions
Distracted driving is another cause of accidents on the road. The unfortunate thing is that there are lots of things that can contribute to distractions on the road. Many jurisdictions have prohibited using smartphones while driving, for example, but many people thumb their noses at such rules and talk, check email, or text while driving. That’s an accident waiting to happen.
Most people can only do one thing at a time, so it’s always best to focus on driving when on the road. Pull over and turn off your ignition if you need to use your phone.
Other ways people get distracted when behind the wheel include:
- Fiddling with radios
- Adjusting mirrors
- Talking to other passengers
- Tending to toddlers or pets
- Focusing on other things
It’s always best to pull over in a safe location and do these things. When driving, simply drive.
Drinking or Drug Use
Drinking and driving isn’t a good idea. While everyone knows this, knowing and doing are two different things. People who drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a major cause of accidents. If you’re going out and plan to drink alcohol, make arrangements to get a ride home. You can call a cab, book an Uber lift, take public transportation, or get a lift from a friend or family member. What you mustn’t do is drive home after you’ve been drinking. It’s not worth the risk. You’ll also want to avoid driving if you’re under the influence of any other intoxicant.
If you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your reaction time will slow down. You will also have a lower concentration threshold that inhibits your ability to drive safely. That will put you–not to mention other people–at a disadvantage on the road. When considering the potential risks to yourself and others, you’ll want to avoid driving under the influence.
If you’re ever involved in an accident, you’ll want to contact a car accident lawyer who can advise you. It can be daunting in the aftermath of an accident, whether you’re accused of causing it or you’re a victim of the mishap. In either situation, a car accident lawyer can be of assistance. You can ask questions, find out what you might be entitled to, and get the right legal counsel.
While vehicles are safer now than ever, accidents still happen. It’s up to individual drivers to do their part to keep themselves and other people safe on the roadways and highways.
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