The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can take an enormous toll on both your physical and financial health. From lost wages to trouble concentrating to debilitating injuries and property damage, a car accident has the potential to completely upend your life.

While the harsh reality is that car accidents can happen at any time, many are preventable with the right knowledge and a little planning. In an effort to promote awareness and reduce the occurrence of various types of accidents, this post will explore the 12 most common causes of car accidents.

1. Speeding

While driving over the speed limit is quite common, it’s nonetheless a major contributor to car accidents. That’s because speeding slows your reaction time and increases the forces involved in a crash.

While speeding might help you get to your destination earlier, it puts you and everyone around you in danger.

2. Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving is a lethal combination.

Not only does alcohol dull the senses and slow reaction time, but people who drink and drive often perform multiple dangerous behaviors in concert, such as drinking and speeding.

3. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another leading cause of car accidents. When you take your attention off the road for even a fraction of a second, anything could happen, and you might not have enough time to stop it.

Unfortunately, many people engage in distracted driving without even knowing it.

For example, do you use your phone to change the music? What about eating or having a conversation with your passenger? These are all examples of distracted driving.

4. Weather

Rain, snow, sleet, and other inclement weather can create hazardous driving conditions. From obstructed views to loss of traction, Mother Nature can throw all sorts of problems your way. That’s why it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped with the proper components and accessories.

5. Reckless Driving

Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, and making aggressive maneuvers are all examples of reckless driving. This behavior is often combined with speeding, making the road unsafe for anyone around the erratic driver.

6. Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers, most of whom are teenagers, aren’t accustomed to the rules of the road. Moreover, their reaction time isn’t as developed as that of a seasoned driver. 

Unfortunately, youth and inexperience often go hand-in-hand with the kinds of behaviors that lead to distracted driving.

7. Running Intersections

Running a red light or stop sign is another common infraction that leads to accidents. Anytime you encounter a red light, take it as a hint to slow down, not speed up.

8. Night Driving

Nighttime driving makes it difficult to see objects on the road. As such, operating a vehicle in the dark — especially one without fully functional headlights — can dramatically increase your chances of getting into an accident.

9. Improper Lane Changes

It’s important to give vehicles plenty of room when switching lanes. Of course, you can’t count on other drivers to provide the same courtesy in return, so it’s always a good idea to practice defensive driving.

10. Manufacturer Defects

If the vehicle you’re driving is defective, it could malfunction and lead to an accident. If the malfunction is due to an error or oversight on the manufacturer’s part, you may be able to hold them accountable.

11. Improper Turns

Like improper lane changes, people often make improper turns when they’re in a rush and endanger other drivers around them as a result.

12. Wrong-Way Driving

Commuters don’t expect to encounter a driver going the wrong way on a street or highway. The shock of the situation can slow reaction times and increases the chances of an accident.

Practice Good Driving Habits To Avoid Costly Accidents

Now that you know some of the most common causes of car accidents, you can keep yourself and other drivers safe by practicing good behavior. The life you save just might be your own.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963