subject: Five Of The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents [print this page] Many are surprised to learn that drunk driving is not the leading cause of car accidents. While drunk driving does make the list, the most common cause is something that most drivers are probably guilty of at one time or another.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes talking on the cell phone, texting, looking at something on the side of the road rather than what is ahead and trying to complete other activities, such as putting on makeup or eating, while driving.
By some estimates, distracted driving is behind nearly 50 percent of all car accidents.
Fatigue
During the hours of 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., the number of car accidents caused by drivers who are too tired to pay attention to the road increases. Some drivers do not even realize how dangerous their situation is until it is too late. This is even more of a danger when one is driving a long distance.
Experts recommend taking a break every couple of hours and stopping right away if you become too tired to fully concentrate.
Drunk Driving
While drunk driving was not number one on the list, it is responsible for about 30 percent of all fatal crashes. When someone is killed or injured due to a drunk driver it is especially tragic as most people have heard how dangerous drunk driving is yet some choose to take the chance anyway.
Speeding
The reason that speeding is so dangerous and, therefore, responsible for so many car accidents is that when a driver is speeding he will often not have enough time to react to dangers on the road.
Many ignore the posted speed limits, and the result of such negligence is often quite tragic.
Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive driving includes following too close, cutting off other drivers, and changing lanes too often. Aggressive driving is a crime in most locations, but a police officer often does not see this behavior take place and an accident is often the result.
Each of the top five most common causes for car accidents involves some measure of negligence or recklessness on the part of the driver. If injuries to the occupants of the other car or cars occurred, the responsible driver may be held liable for medical bills and pain and suffering.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to help you decide if you have a case for a personal injury lawsuit.
