One of the biggest causes of auto accidents is drunk driving. Alcohol lowers a driver’s ability to drive safely, such as narrowing their vision, affecting their judgment and impairing their reaction time. Many drunk driving accidents lead to severe injuries and losses, so the fear of encountering a drunk on the road is justified.
However, drunk driving is an aberration, and it is not the only cause of auto accidents. Many wrecks have some common factors, such as:
1. Distracted driving
Another common cause of auto accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving happens when a driver doesn’t keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, which can lower a driver’s ability to react to obstacles. The most common cause of distracted driving is phones, but eating and drinking, changing the radio and talking to passengers have also caused issues.
2. Drowsy driving
It’s not uncommon for people to get tired while they’re driving. Drowsiness while driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. A drowsy driver may struggle to focus on the road and could even fall asleep behind the wheel.
3. Aggressive driving
A person’s emotions can greatly increase their likelihood of causing an accident. If a driver becomes frustrated or angry, they may act aggressively around other drivers. They may speed, tailgate or brake check other drivers. As a result, their actions can lead to auto injuries.
4. Weather difficulties
Road conditions have a great effect on drivers and their ability to avoid auto accidents. Heavy rain or fog could impact a driver’s ability to see other drivers. Or, snow and ice can make it harder for drivers to stop their vehicles before accidents.
It can help to know what can lead to more auto accidents, however, some accidents just can’t be avoided. If an auto accident has injured you or caused you to lose someone close to you, then you may need to learn about your compensation options.