About 6 million car accidents occur in the U.S each year, and almost 50,000 of these are fatal. Annually, 3 million people get injured by automobile accidents; almost a hundred people die in car crashes every day. Car Accident Attorney in Bakersfield, CA elaborates the top ten causes of car accidents in the U.S:
1. Distraction
Distracted drivers are the number one cause for road accidents today. Distraction comes in many forms, mainly texting, conversing on the phone, and eating food while you drive. Other minor forms of distraction include blinding lights, flashy billboards, and loud music.
2. Speeding
The need for speed costs many drivers their life, and forces them to become a murderer. The majority of hit and run cases are the outcome of unlawful speeding. Many people intentionally drive above the allowed speed limit in order to save time. Sometimes people drive fast when the roads are secluded, and get baffled when a vehicle suddenly comes in their way. The faster you are driving, the longer your reaction time becomes, thus increasing the chances of a collision.
3. Alcohol/Drugs
People who are drunk or under the influence of a drug are not eligible to drive. Alcohol and all sorts of drugs (legal and illegal) can impair our senses, therefore inhibiting us from functioning normally. Driving in such circumstances is a threat to the society and ourselves. Do not drink if you are the designated driver, and do not drive if you had a drink or more.
4. Rain & Snow
Rain and snow are the most undesirable weather conditions for a driver. They make the roads slippery and occasionally produce blockage. They tend to compromise the windshield view as well, and hell breaks loose if your windshield wipers are jammed. Automobiles can get out of control and skid over dangerous road surfaces influenced by water or ice.
5. Breaking Traffic Rules
Running traffic lights, ignoring stop signs, and making wrongful turns is equivalent to asking for an accident to happen. If you trespass a red light queue, or move the opposite direction in a one-way street, what good can you expect out of it? People who break traffic rules are not cool; they are a source of hazard and nuisance to everyone.
6. Tailgating
Some drivers are just reckless and do not understand the meaning of personal space. Tailgating is a common practice when the traffic flow is heavy. Drivers get too close to other vehicles and fail to halt in time when the car ahead suddenly brakes. It is important to keep a safe distance, which is ideally one car’s length.
7. Drowsiness
It is mandatory to be a hundred percent awake and alert while you drive. Do not drive if you are heavy-eyed or sleep deprived. Drowsiness can cause you to fall asleep while driving, so you will naturally lose control of the wheel. Get your caffeine fix if napping first is not an option.
8. Fog
Fog obscures the landscape around us and in severe conditions; we might not be able to see more than a few feet ahead of us. Fortunately, it is not a common weather occurrence in most areas. The key is to drive very slowly, with headlights and backlights constantly blaring.
9. Street Racing
Many youngsters treat public roads as their playground. ‘Fast and Furious’ is their motto, so they race each other carelessly on the streets. The average driver is not prepared for their daring speed and treacherous lane switching. The risk multiplies when these activities are pursued at night.
10. Animal Crossing
Animals are not acquainted with traffic laws, so it will up to you to save them and yourself from getting hurt on the road. Look out for animal crossing signs and drive carefully on roads near rural or forest areas.
