Common Causes of Car Accidents

Even with today’s safety technology, auto accidents remain commonplace; they are the leading cause of death for Americans 35 years old and younger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is involved in an auto accident every ten seconds.

Here are the most common reasons why auto accidents occur.

Distractions – talking on the phone, texting, changing music, rubbernecking, and more. It is easy to get distracted. Research shows that 25% – 50% of all motor vehicle accidents are the result of distracted driving. Driving should take your full attention; looking away for even a split second can cause an accident. This includes things like changing the stereo, using a mobile phone, interacting with passengers and even slowing down to look at scenery or other accidents.

When a driver’s attention is diverted, the possibility of an accident significantly increases. Studies have found that driving and talking on a cell phone at the same time quadruples the risk of crashing, which is why many cities have recently begun banning their use while driving unless a hands-free device is used.

Drunk Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs often results in a catastrophic auto accident. On average, there is one death almost every half-hour due to driving under the influence.

Fatigue – Fatigued driving accounts for more than 100,000 auto accidents per year. Symptoms of driver fatigue include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, a drifting vehicle that wanders over road lines, varying vehicle speed for no reason, misjudging traffic situations, and daydreaming. It is important to share the driving and take frequent breaks on long trips.

Speeding – Speeding reduces the amount of time necessary to avoid an accident; it also increases the likelihood of a more severe accident. Simply slowing down and obeying posted speed limits can go a long way toward making the roads safer.

Vehicle Defects – Sometimes accidents are the direct result of a vehicle malfunction such as brake failure, tire blowout, and mechanical defects. Other times, an auto accident can be the result of a faulty design.

Weather – Inclement weather, including heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, ice, high winds and fog can make driving more difficult. Drivers must allow more time to stop, so it is imperative to slow down and leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you. The best safety measure is to avoid driving until conditions improve.

Abiding by the law and using common sense is the best approach to avoiding auto accidents. Drive responsibly and be alert at all times.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association as well as their ABA Advisory Committee, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.