Car crashes are serious events that can dramatically change a person’s life. Every driver who’s on the road has a duty to drive safely so they can help to prevent harm.
By being aware of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, drivers can better ensure that they’re being proactive about safety regarding these key issues.
Distracted driving
There are a few ways that drivers can be distracted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes three distinct categories of distractions:
- Visual: Eyes off the road
- Cognitive: Mind off driving
- Manual: Hands off the wheel
Even short distractions can be catastrophic. When a five-second distraction happens while moving at 55 miles per hour, the driver is essentially driving blind for the length of a football field.
Impaired driving
Impaired driving can stem from alcohol, medication or drugs. Anything that prevents a driver from being able to make suitable decisions is an impairment. A driver who’s impaired can’t react appropriately to situations. They may be unable to handle the multiple tasks they must do while driving if they are impaired.
Fatigued driving
Fatigue can mimic impairment in drivers. Any drowsy driver should ensure they stop as soon as possible to rest because sleep is the only cure for fatigue. In some cases, a driver may doze off. Those microsleeps can lead to the vehicle moving without any driver to control it for many seconds at a time.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving, which includes speeding, can lead to crashes. When a driver is aggressive, they often take away the ability of other drivers to react appropriately to situations. This puts others on the roadway in grave danger.
Inclement weather
Inclement weather, including rain and fog, can lead to drivers being unable to see. It can also cause issues like longer stopping distances. All drivers must ensure they’re taking the road conditions into account when choosing how to operate their vehicles at any given time.
Even a safe driver may end up being hit by an unsafe driver. Those victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help recover damages. There are time limits in Texas for filing these cases, so victims must act swiftly to get their case moving forward.