subject: The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents, Collisions, And Crashes [print this page] In fact, most people will be in a serious crash at some time in their lives. According to the American Automobile Association, car crashes kill an average of 43,000 people in the U.S. every year. While many factors can cause auto accidents, the following are among the most common causes.
Driver error is the most common cause of accidents. Errors include driving too fast, unsafe passing, ignoring traffic signals, and failing to yield right of way. Young drivers are particularly at risk of making errors because of their inexperience; 80 percent of deaths among youth between 15 and 24 years old are due to car accidents.
Distractions divert drivers attention, increasing the risk of crashes. Distractions inside the car include using a cell phone, changing CDs, reading or applying makeup, and parenting a child. Texting while driving is a new threat to driver attention. A driver may also be distracted from things going on outside the car such as an accident, beautiful scenery, or road signs.
Driving while intoxicated accounts for a large share of car crashes. It is, of course, illegal to drive while drunk, but impairment of judgment and slowing of reaction time can begin even before drivers reach the legal blood alcohol concentration of .08. Alcohol affects different people differently. For some impairment begins after just one drink; thats why it may be unsafe to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.
Drivers arent always responsible for accidents, although good driving skills, sound judgment, and responsible vehicle maintenance can help prevent accidents, even in the face of hazards like the following:
- Bad weather hampers visibility and makes roads slippery
- Poor road design results in intersections with limited visibility, road signs in places where they are likely to get hit, and unclear signage
- Vehicle defects such as brake failure or tire blowouts account for many crashes
- Manufacturing defects like lack of rollover protection or airbags that dont inflate can result in worse injuries if a crash does occur
- Bad road conditions, which may be due to deferred maintenance, weather, or objects in the road, contribute to the high rate of accidents
