Car accidents can completely disrupt lives in an instant. In Georgia in 2019, approximately 3% of all 911 calls were related to motor vehicle traffic incidents where emergency medical services transported persons to a hospital. This staggering number demonstrates the serious impact auto collisions have on our communities. Understanding the top causes of crashes can help drivers stay safe on the road. This article will examine the leading reasons for accidents and provide tips to prevent them. Knowing your legal options if an incident occurs is also key.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major contributor to car crashes. Any activity that diverts attention from driving raises the risk of an accident. In 2022 there were 3,047 fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide that involved distraction.
Common distractions include texting, eating, interacting with passengers, and manipulating GPS or music. Even quick glances away from the road can result in a collision. Drivers should minimize disruptions and pull over safely if needed. Hands-free technology can help reduce certain distractions.
Impaired Driving
Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous, impacting coordination and judgment. About one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver.
Drunk driving is completely preventable. Using a designated driver or rideshare service helps avoid tragedy. Drivers who see a vehicle driving erratically should move over and call the police, as it may indicate an impaired driver.
Speeding
Speeding contributes to many severe and fatal crashes. Excessive speed gives drivers less time to react and increases impact force in a collision. Speeding has been cited in about one-third of all traffic deaths over the past twenty years, according to NHTSA. In 2019, Georgia ranked 4th highest in the nation for traffic fatalities and 22nd by fatality rate per 100M VMT, indicating the serious risks of speeding in the state.
The experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Hammers Law Firm, emphasize that to avoid speeding accidents, drivers should obey posted speed limits, reduce speed for conditions like rain or snow, and avoid aggressive acceleration. Defensive drivers maintain safe following distances and understand that speed limits are set for safety.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, improper passing, running red lights, and weaving vastly increase accident odds. Road rage can fuel poor choices.
Stay calm, allow space between vehicles, and avoid engaging angry drivers. Share the road responsibly and defensively. Don’t take other drivers’ actions personally.
Driver Inexperience
Inexperience raises crash risk among teens who may lack hazard awareness, speed control, and emergency response skills. Passengers can also easily distract them. Graduated licensing programs, driver education, and extensive supervised practice in varying conditions help develop better teen driving abilities. Parents can set limits to minimize distractions.
Weather and Environment
Inclement weather can impair visibility and make roads slippery, reducing control. Drivers should slow down, increase distance between vehicles, and turn lights on in bad weather. Avoid unnecessary travel when conditions seriously deteriorate. Maintaining safe speeds and space greatly improves stability.
Fatigue
Drowsy driving impairs focus and reaction time like alcohol. Fatigued drivers may wander lanes and fall asleep at the wheel. Drowsiness increases accident risk exponentially. Prevent fatigue by getting adequate rest, traveling at awake times, and taking frequent breaks on long trips. Consume caffeine wisely. Rest if you feel extremely tired.
While crashes happen unexpectedly, knowing and preventing the most frequent causes can greatly improve safety. Drivers should stay focused, follow traffic laws, and drive defensively. Consulting an experienced attorney protects your rights if a collision occurs. Staying informed on the main causes and prevention methods is the best way to avoid tragedy on the road.