There are many causes of car accidents, including a defective brake or steering system. However, the main causes of car accidents are often less obvious. Driver distractions, poor surveillance, or even poor design can all lead to an accident. If you want to prevent car accidents, keep these causes in mind. Then, you’ll be on the right track to staying safe on the road.
In the United States alone, distracted driving kills eight people every day. That’s close to three hundred thousand per year. Distracted driving is any activity that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road. The distraction can range from drinking coffee to checking for kids in the rear-view mirror. These activities take a driver’s concentration off the road and make them less likely to drive safely. Distracted driving is responsible for countless accidents, and it’s completely preventable.
Some ways to reduce your risk of getting into a car accident are to designate a texter or voicemail person, limit the number of passengers you carry, and avoid doing extra activities while driving. Another way to prevent distractions is to secure your children and pets. When worse comes to worst, you figure in an accident, and you might need the help of car accident attorney Washington to help you out.
Steering and suspension system failures
A car’s steering and suspension systems are crucial to driving safety. Without them, the vehicle will drift and be less stable. Steering and suspension system failures can be caused by several problems, such as a malfunctioning pump or a clogged hose. Another common cause of failures is worn or torn power steering belts. The good news is that these breakdowns usually come with a warning, so you can take measures to prevent the problem before it gets out of hand.
If you notice that your car is bouncing and unable to control the steering wheel alignment, you may be experiencing a steering or suspension system problem. You can try to find out the exact cause of your car’s wobbling by manually inspecting the wheels. If you are experiencing wheel wobble, it may be a sign of damage to the rim or tire. You can also check the condition of the steering and suspension system with a car inspection checklist.
Drunk driving
Drunk driving causes car accidents, which can be extremely dangerous to everyone involved. These accidents can cause serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. Drunk drivers are also more likely to cause serious injuries to their passengers. A drunk driver’s negligence is often a contributing factor in these accidents, as the driver may not hit the brakes before colliding with another car. In some circumstances, the drunk driver might be held accountable for the collision. Despite the possibility of a criminal investigation, you may seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. In a civil case, victims may seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation recovered might be much higher if the injured party sustained severe injuries.
Inadequate surveillance
An accident can happen when a truck driver fails to pay attention to his surroundings. A car accident involving a truck could lead to death or injury for the victim, and the truck driver’s inadequate surveillance could be a contributing factor. According to the FMCSA, 14 percent of truck collisions result from inadequate surveillance.
Drivers should keep a constant watch on the roadway and observe all potential hazards, including speed limits and changes in traffic conditions. When drivers do not identify these dangerous situations, they make decision errors and respond incorrectly. Drivers should also always obey the speed limit posted on the road. However, drivers should reduce speed if the weather is bad or traffic is heavy.
Rolling right on red
A right-on-red car accident can be devastating. The position of the intersection, nearby traffic patterns, and the speeds of the two cars are just a few of the variables that can affect how this collision turns out. Drivers should always obey the laws of the road, especially when the light is green. If they fail, they risk causing a fatal car accident or seriously injuring a pedestrian.
