Causes of Car Accidents: How to Avoid Them – 8 Simple Steps

Car accidents have become a leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, they claim over 33,000 lives and cost $230 billion. To reduce these numbers and save lives, it is essential to take preventative measures such as wearing a seatbelt, driving defensively, and not drinking and driving.

Many of these crashes are preventable and often stem from common causes of collision, such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. Nearly 1.35 million people die each year as a result of car road crashes, with speeding accounting for 29% of all accidents, contributing towards 9400 deaths annually. Understanding these factors is essential in reducing car crash causes and promoting road safety through effective defensive driving strategies.

However, car crashes can be reduced with proper preparation and awareness of road conditions and other drivers’ mistakes.

2 Common Car Accidents Most People Don’t Know About

• One common car accident is a rear-end collision. This happens when the driver of a vehicle moving in front of you suddenly stops. You slam on your brakes, but the other driver stops too quickly and hits them from behind.
• Another common car accident is when you are driving too fast and making a left turn at an intersection. The car in front of you stops, but you don’t have enough time to stop before hitting them from behind.

What are the Key Factors That Cause a Car Crash?

Research has shown that driving while exhausted can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can make you tired, impair your concentration, and increase the risk of accidents. Sleep deprivation is linked to negative impacts on health, mood, and cognitive performance in general. this habit is the cause of car accidents

Driver fatigue is the most common cause of car crashes. It can lead to several different problems, such as:

• Slow reaction time
• Poor judgment
• Inattention
• Impaired vision
• Slower decision-making process

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions are one of the most common factors that can lead to a car crash. The severity of the conditions can vary from light snow to heavy snow, hail, and ice. Weather conditions can also affect visibility and traction.

Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion is a major problem in many cities. Slow driving is the cause of twenty-five percent of accidents. Slower drivers block traffic flow, while faster drivers cause accidents by tailgating and weaving through lanes.

Anyone who has ever been stranded in their car due to awful traffic will be able to relate.

Alcohol or Drugs

Alcohol is a major cause of accidents in the United States. In fact, it’s been estimated that alcohol causes 40% of fatal crashes and 60% of injury crashes.

Drugs are also a major cause of accidents in the United States. Drugs can impair driving ability by slowing reaction time and changing judgment. Alcohol and drugs have been involved in about half of all fatal car crashes.

The following information is an eye-opener for drivers who think, “I didn’t have much!”

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents, with many factors leading to one.

The most common causes of distracted driving are:

• Eating
• Drinking
• Smoking
• Talking on the phone or texting

These factors are dangerous because they take your mind off the road and your hands off the steering wheel.

Speeding

Excessive speeding reduces the time the driver must react to dangerous situations and increases their stopping distance. This means collisions can be more devastating. It also decreases their ability to avoid clashes with traffic surge structures. Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and obey the speed limit on the road.

Most of the above-discussed accidents occur because of untrained drivers employed in the Construction Industry. To ensure that drivers and pedestrians are safe and secure, introduce your employees to OSHA 30-Hour Construction since it educates workers about basic knowledge of site safety hazards, Personal Protective Equipment, and safely transporting hazardous materials. Upon completing the training, you get an OSHA 30 card that is advantageous for your career in the long run.

8 Effective Ways to Avoid Car Accidents and Save Lives

Accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States. The number of car accidents in America has been increasing for the last few years. There are many ways to avoid such accidents. But you can also save lives by following these seven effective ways to prevent car accidents and save lives:

1. Drive defensively & Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.

Driving defensively can help avoid accidents and save lives. Be attentive when driving to spot hazards, such as animals crossing the road, cars driving the wrong way, or pedestrians walking in the middle of the street.

Distracted driving is a significant contributor to accidents. By maintaining focus and limiting distractions, drivers can significantly reduce their risk.

It’s difficult to predict what will happen on a busy street. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers have the right to go to different places. Even when pedestrians walk in a crosswalk, they must yield to cars at the next intersection.

• Keep focus on the road: Avoid texting, phone calls, or any other activity that takes your attention away.
• Limit in-car distractions: Keep in-car activities, such as adjusting GPS or the radio, to a minimum.
• Take a distracted driving course: Enroll in a course to understand the risks and impact of distractions.

2. Proactive driving is better than Reactive driving.

In a reactive driving situation, it is difficult for drivers to know what the other driver will do. This can lead to a collision. With proactive driving, drivers can see what will happen and take the appropriate action.

3. Always wear a seat belt and make sure that children are properly buckled up.

Speeding is among the most common causes of collisions and can easily be managed with careful attention to posted limits.

Most car accidents happen because people are not wearing safety belts or they don’t use them properly. Car seats and seat belts can save lives by preventing severe injury in the event of an accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 51% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020 were not wearing seat belts. This is a 4% increase from 2019. The NHTSA’s 2020 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview states, “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 14 and younger.”

Remember, airbags are not enough to protect you from injury in a car accident. In fact, the force of an airbag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.

Improperly wearing a seat belt is a dangerous habit and can often lead to severe injury or even death. You must wear the strap across your chest and over your shoulder correctly.

• Stay within speed limits: Adhering to speed limits reduces the chance of a collision.
• Slow down in poor weather: Bad weather conditions require lower speeds for better control.
• Recognize high-risk areas: Pay attention to school zones and construction areas where reduced speeds are critical.

4. Drive Sober

Driving under the influence is a major cause of car accidents, and even minor impairment can drastically affect reaction times. The connection between drinking alcohol and driving is well-known. But what about drunk drivers who are not yet driving? A new study found that car accidents increased after a person went out for a few drinks: blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC. At a BAC of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, crash risk increases exponentially. Binge drinking has been linked to increased car accidents, so if you are already drunk or on drugs, staying home and waiting until you sober up before driving again is best.

One of the most common things people do during the weekend is drink. People who do not drink and drive are less likely to get into an accident. If you plan on drinking, please make sure someone can drive you home.

• Plan a designated driver: Have a sober driver arranged if you plan to consume alcohol.
• Use alternative transportation: Consider rideshares or public transport if impaired.
• Understand the impact of medication: Some medications impair driving; be aware of side effects before you drive.

5. Always use your turn signal before changing lanes or merging into traffic.

Defensive driving training helps drivers predict and avoid potential dangers, reducing accidents caused by human error. In a world with more cars than ever, it is important to use your turn signals when driving. Swerving in front of or merging into traffic without using your turn signal can cause car accidents and lead to severe injuries.

Using turn signals is a universal practice that can make the driving experience easier and safer. When driving, certain situations require using your turn signals, such as changing lanes, merging onto a freeway, or exiting a freeway.

It is important to remember to use your turn signal so other drivers are aware of what you are doing and there’s no confusion about your intentions.

• Keep a safe following distance: Leave enough space between you and the car in front.
• Anticipate other drivers’ actions: Always be prepared for sudden moves from other drivers.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Constantly scan the road for potential hazards.

6. Keep your vehicle clean.

To avoid car accidents, it’s important to keep your vehicle clean. Clutter or loose objects in the car can cause serious issues, such as a coffee mug slipping under the brake pedal and interfering with braking ability.  Your brakes may not be working, so remove the obstruction as soon as possible to ensure you can stop your vehicle. Otherwise, it could lead to an accident. Keeping a car clean helps drivers spot potential hazards and navigate safely.

You can keep your vehicle’s interior safe and hazard-free by wiping the dashboard, steering wheel, and other surfaces.

Keeping the car clean and hazard-free ensures safer driving.

• Remove loose objects: Clutter can become hazardous if objects like mugs or bottles get lodged under the brake pedal.
• Clear obstructions immediately: Ensure that objects are removed promptly to prevent interference with the controls.
• Wipe surfaces regularly: Keeping surfaces clean helps drivers spot any hazards and navigate safely.

7. Get ready for bad Weather.

Poor weather conditions contribute to many accidents, and knowing how to handle them is key to staying safe. Driving on regular, dry pavement is very different from driving in inclement weather.

Even if you’ve been driving for a while, it’s a good idea to have someone experienced and officially licensed supervise your driving. As you learn how to drive in adverse weather conditions, they can advise on the best way they have found that works; otherwise, it will cause a car accident.

• Check weather updates before travel: Avoid driving in severe conditions when possible.
• Use appropriate lights and equipment: Fog lights, wipers, and other tools are essential in adverse weather.
• Reduce speed and increase distance: Adjust driving habits to accommodate poor visibility or slick roads.

8. Be prepared for a verse case scenario

Driving is more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s a responsibility to ensure both your safety and that of others on the road. By preparing for emergencies, following all traffic rules, and keeping essential items on hand, such as a first-aid kit, spare tire, jumper cables, and an ice scraper, you can reduce risks and enhance your driving experience.

• Keep cell phones for emergency use only: Avoid using your phone while driving, except in emergencies.
• Carry a spare key: It’s helpful in case you lose your primary key or lock yourself out.
• Limit passengers and load: Keep the number of passengers within seat capacity to maintain safety.

Conclusion

Car accidents can often be prevented by understanding their common causes and practicing safe driving habits. By enrolling in defensive driving training and distracted driving courses, drivers can significantly reduce their chances of becoming involved in collisions. Adhering to these seven effective strategies empowers drivers to stay safe, protect others on the road, and help prevent the devastating impacts of car crashes.