In a state as populated as California, vehicle accidents are common. Other factors like wildlife and narrow or curvy roads play a role in less populated areas. Unfortunately, insurance premium increases and injuries, even death, are some of the related consequences of vehicle accidents. Whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area of California, knowing the common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them is crucial to keeping you and those around you safe (and your insurance rates from soaring).
Here are 10 common causes of vehicle accidents and tips for avoiding them.
Distracted Driving: A cell phone is just one of many distractions a driver faces: food, conversation with passengers, or literally any activity that pulls your attention from the road can lead to an accident. Avoid distractions while driving: eat before you get in the car, get the music situated, and focus on driving.- Speeding: The faster you are going, the higher the likelihood you will lose control of the vehicle or be unable to avoid an otherwise avoidable accident. Remember, the speed limit is the highest you can go; if weather, traffic, or other conditions call for a lower-than-posted speed limit, the law will not be on your side. Therefore, don’t speed; it’s genuinely not worth it.
- Drunk Driving: For decades, comprehensive data has shown that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medications) significantly impairs reaction time and judgment. Do not get behind the wheel of a car if you have alcohol or drugs in your system, period.
- Reckless Driving: Driving aggressively (swerving, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, etc.) or otherwise driving in a manner that is dangerous to others is a common cause of accidents. Obey all traffic laws, and don’t be an inconsiderate neighbor to those driving around you.
- Poor Visibility: Rain, fog, snow, or other weather can make it more challenging to drive a vehicle safely. Additionally, if you have difficulty seeing at night, find another way of getting to where you need to go or change your schedule to avoid night driving. If you require prescription eyewear (contacts or glasses), be sure to use them at all times.
- Fatigue: Falling asleep at the wheel is much more common than people think. If you are sleepy or even tired, don’t drive. If you have a long drive ahead, get plenty of rest the night before (or the day prior if you must drive for long stretches at night). If you aren’t fresh, don’t drive.
- Malfunctioning car: If your brakes are bad or your tires are nearly bald, you’re more likely to get in an accident. Maintaining your vehicle properly means ensuring the tires are rotated (and in good shape) and the brakes are regularly checked.
- Other driving conditions: Besides weather, poorly maintained roads or construction zones can be tricky to navigate safely. Follow the posted “Construction Zone Speed Limit” signs at all times. Also, pay attention to your road conditions; if potholes are plentiful, slow down.
- Driving offensively: Driving is not a competition to see who can get through the light before it changes or how fast you can get from point A to point B when running late. Defensive driving, on the other hand, means minimizing risk. This is achieved by following traffic laws, driving safely as conditions allow, remaining alert at all times, and not allowing yourself to become distracted.
- If you live in a rural or mountain area of California, you already know how common it is for animals, large and small, to enter the roadway. Swerving could prevent a collision with an animal if you are going slowly with no other vehicles or objects around you. However, swerving often does more harm than good, so be careful.
These tips are no guarantee you won’t be involved in an accident, but taking heed of them is an excellent start to making sure the odds are in your favor when you are on the road.
The aftermath of a car accident is often extremely overwhelming, especially if you suffered an injury. The Eason & Tambornini, car accident attorneys, have helped clients obtain compensation for their Sacramento car accident injuries. Call us today at (916) 438-1819 for a FREE consultation from our knowledgeable car accident attorneys.
