Three Common Causes of Car Accidents (and How to Avoid Them)
Car accidents are one of those things that you think will never happen to you until it does. When it does, it can be devastating, but knowing some of the common causes of car accidents can help you stay safer on the roads and avoid accidents. Here are three of the most common causes of car accidents and how you can try to avoid them (or when it’s time to hire a car accident attorney).
Weather
One of the most common causes of car accidents is weather. About 32% of car crashes are due to inclement weather. Snow, rain, sleet, and hail all obviously make the surface of the road wet which reduces friction and increases a car’s chances of hydroplaning. Additionally, many of the wetter months of the year also have shortened daylight hours which decreases visibility.
One of the easiest things you can do to avoid getting in a car crash because of the weather is to just not drive in bad weather at all. If you can’t avoid driving in it, make sure you drive a safe speed, even if it is less than the posted speed limit.
Wildlife
Another common cause of accidents is wildlife. Especially in heavily wooded and rural areas, animals don’t know well enough not to try crossing the road or not to jump in front of oncoming cars. This can be hard to avoid, but it can be done.
The best thing you can do to avoid hitting wildlife or getting into an accident trying not to hit something is to drive with caution through areas where wildlife commonly life. Pay attention to deer crossing signs and be more alert for animals in the road.
Human error
There isn’t much we can do about wildlife or the weather, but almost all of vehicle crashes — 95% — are a result of human error. This is generally caused by behaviors like distracted driving, driving under the influence, and driving dangerously.
This a common cause of car accidents that everyone can make an effort to avoid. Always drive safely and within the speed limit. Avoid driving after drinking, using drugs, or taking certain over the counter medications.
If you have been injured in a car accident because of human error, you may have a case for filing a personal injury claim. When you hire a car accident attorney, look among personal injury lawyers who specialize in that area of law. Read more blogs like this.