15 Common Causes of Car Accidents You Need to Know

We all know the importance of driving in our daily routines. After a long day, we just want to make it home safely. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks we face on the road. That’s why it’s essential to shed light on the common factors contributing to car accidents.

From distractions that take our attention away from the wheel to the temptation to speed, each of these causes poses its own dangers that can put our safety, as well as the safety of others, at risk. By understanding the top 15 causes of car accidents, we can make well-informed decisions and play our part in creating a responsible driving culture.

1. Speeding

If you’re rushing and driving recklessly, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents worldwide, contributing to 29% of traffic-related deaths in 2021 and killing 12,330 people in the United States alone.

When drivers increase their speed above the limit, they reduce their reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

2. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving also contributes significantly to car accidents. Reckless drivers disregard traffic rules and regulations or engage in aggressive behavior. This includes tailgating, changing lanes abruptly without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, and dangerously overtaking other vehicles. Such actions often lead to collisions that can be fatal or result in serious injury.

3. Driving Under Influence

You might think driving under the influence is harmless, but it can be incredibly dangerous and potentially deadly for yourself and everyone else on the road. In fact, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is one of the top most common causes of car crash deaths

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to drive safely. It can affect your reaction time, judgment, coordination, and vision.

4. Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, fog – all of these weather conditions can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of accidents. One of the main reasons why bad weather leads to car accidents is decreased visibility. When rain or fog reduces your ability to see the road ahead, it becomes harder to spot hazards such as other cars, pedestrians, or debris.

5. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, with texting being the most common distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds, which at 55 mph means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without looking up. Remember, nothing is more important than staying alert and focused on the road when operating a vehicle. Multitasking while behind the wheel is never worth risking your and others’ lives.

6. Night and Drowsy Driving

At night, your vision is limited, and it’s harder to see pedestrians, animals, and other cars on the road. Bright headlights from oncoming cars can also cause temporary blindness. To stay safe, drive slower and keep a safe distance from other cars.

Drowsy driving is also dangerous and can lead to deadly accidents. Being awake for 18 hours straight can impair your driving ability as much as being slightly intoxicated. If you’re tired, you may struggle with focus and reaction time, which could cause you to swerve off the road or hit another car.

7. Design and Road Hazards

Sometimes, how a road is designed can make it dangerous for drivers. For example, poorly placed signage or narrow lanes can cause confusion and increase the likelihood of accidents. Uneven or damaged road surfaces can also present dangers to drivers, particularly those traveling at high speeds. Poor street lighting or broken headlights can make it hard for drivers to see dangers on the road. Debris and animals on the road can also be risky.

8. Running Red Lights

Running red lights is a dangerous behavior that disregards traffic signals and poses a significant risk to drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. It often leads to side-impact collisions and can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Drivers should always obey traffic signals and come to a complete stop when facing a red light to prevent accidents and promote road safety.

9. Vehicle Defects

Vehicle defects can contribute to car accidents if critical components fail while driving. Issues with brakes, tires, steering, or electrical systems can result in a loss of control, sudden malfunctions, or reduced maneuverability. Regular vehicle maintenance, inspections, and addressing any potential defects promptly are crucial to ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicle on the road.

10. Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers, such as newly licensed or young drivers, often lack the necessary skills and judgment to handle various driving situations. They may struggle with decision-making, identifying potential hazards, or reacting promptly to unexpected events. It is important for inexperienced drivers to receive proper training, gain experience over time, and adhere to traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents.

11. Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes, such as failing to use turn signals or checking blind spots, can lead to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Abrupt lane changes without proper indication or awareness of surrounding traffic create a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. Drivers should always use their signals, check blind spots, and merge into lanes safely and responsibly.

12. Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Failure to yield the right-of-way is a common cause of accidents, particularly at intersections. Drivers who fail to yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or vehicles with the right-of-way disrupt the flow of traffic and increase the risk of collisions. Understanding and respecting right-of-way rules and properly yielding when required are essential for preventing accidents.

13. Street Racing

Engaging in street racing is an extremely dangerous behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk. Excessive speeds, reckless maneuvers, and disregard for traffic laws create an unsafe environment and greatly increase the chances of accidents. Street racing is illegal and can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and legal consequences. It is essential to prioritize safety and avoid participating in or supporting such activities.

14. Brake Checking

Brake checking refers to intentionally and abruptly slamming on the brakes in front of another vehicle, often as an act of aggression or retaliation. This behavior can catch the following driver off guard, leading to rear-end collisions and potential injuries. Brake checking is dangerous and aggressive, and can escalate tensions on the road. It is important to remain calm, practice patience, and avoid engaging in such behavior.

15. Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies while driving, such as sudden loss of consciousness or a severe medical event, can pose significant risks. In such situations, drivers may lose control of the vehicle, endangering themselves and others on the road. It is important for individuals with known medical conditions to take appropriate precautions, follow medical advice, and refrain from driving if there is a risk of a medical emergency.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Miami

So, are you at risk of getting into a car accident? The truth is, anyone can be. But by understanding the top causes of accidents and taking steps to avoid them, you can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in one.

But If you are involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, knowing what steps to take next is important.

Here are the seven steps you can take to protect your health and your rights:

1. Ensure safety: Check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic to prevent further accidents.
2. Contact authorities: Call the police to report the accident. They will document the incident and provide an official report, which can be useful for insurance claims and legal purposes.
3. Gather information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the other party involved. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
4. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any relevant road signs or conditions. This evidence can support your case later on.
5. Notify your insurance company — Report the accident to your insurance provider immediately, even if you were not at fault. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
6. Seek medical attention — Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may manifest later, and having a medical record can strengthen your case if needed.
7. Consult with legal assistance — If you experienced significant damages or injuries, consult a personal injury lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Remember, remaining calm and cooperative throughout the post-accident process can help ensure a smoother resolution.

Contact our car accident attorneys at Abogadas305 for a free consultation today.