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Vehicle collisions are, unfortunately, familiar sights on California highways. One mistake or mishap could lead to a brutal crash and severe injuries. Knowing why collisions happen might help drivers, along with bicyclists and pedestrians, avoid a deadly accident.
Top Causes for Car Accidents
Speeding ranks as a top reason for car accidents because driving too fast makes it harder to bring a vehicle to a stop in time. Things happen without warnings, such as a deer leaping onto a highway or a child chasing a toy into the street. The laws of physics come into play: A car traveling at high speeds could do more damage than might occur when traveling slower.
“Reckless driving” is a catch-all term, but there are several ways drivers operate vehicles dangerously. Driving in bicycle lanes, making illegal left turns on red, tailgating, and weaving in and out of lanes without signaling could increase the chances of a crash. Sometimes, drivers combine more than one reckless action. For example, speeding and tailgating could be a deadly mix.
Other Causes for Car Crashes
Drivers could become distracted in several ways and cause potentially avoidable motor vehicle accidents. While some people would never text and drive, they might perform other ill-advisable actions like adjusting a tie in the rear-view mirror while traveling on a highway. Eating while driving or rubbernecking could cause crashes, too.In addition, despite decades of awareness campaigns, many people continue to drink and drive. Some drivers may not use alcohol or illegal drugs, but they drive while impaired on OTC medications.
Fatigued driving, aggressive behavior, poorly maintained vehicles, and poor weather conditions could also lead to disaster. Drivers may increase their safety by being as safe and defensive on the road as possible.