You can be the safest driver on the road, but you still have no control over what everyone else is doing. And that’s what you have to really worry about as a driver.
There is no shortage of traffic accident causes, but these are among the most common:
- Distracted driving: This takes on many forms, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, smoking and talking to passengers. A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from the road.
- Drowsy driving: A driver can become drowsy at any time of the day, but this is more likely to happen at night. Some people, such as truck drivers and those who work the graveyard shift, are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
- Drinking and driving: Alcohol is responsible for thousands of accidents, injuries and deaths every year on the nation’s roadways. Even if you know better than to drink and drive, it doesn’t necessarily mean that others are taking the same caution.
- Aggressive driving: Examples include excessive speeding, running a stop sign, running a red light and traveling the wrong way on a one way street. Keep your eyes open, paying close attention to anyone who is driving aggressively (as opposed to defensively).
- Inclement weather: When the weather takes a turn, such as the result of a heavy rain storm moving into the area, the conditions on the road can quickly sour. In large part, the weather dictates your approach to the road. For instance, in rain and strong wind, you should slow down, watch for standing water and maintain a solid grip on the wheel.
How to protect yourself
Understanding the most common causes of traffic accidents can go a long way in helping you maintain your safety on the road. However, that’s not always enough, so you should also drive defensively and keep close tabs on other drivers.
Should you suffer an injury in a motor vehicle accident, immediate medical treatment is a must. From there, you can review the police report, file an insurance claim and take other steps to protect your legal rights.
