There are many dangers on the road, and while most drivers do their best to avoid crashes, some accidents are inevitable. In fact, according to a report by Esurance, approximately 77 percent of all drivers have been in at least one accident in their life.
Understanding the causes of most car accidents may help you drive more defensively and prevent some serious crashes.
Common Causes Of Accidents
A few of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating while driving, having conversations with other passengers and even daydreaming.
- Drunk driving
- Speeding and other traffic violations like running red lights and stop signs
- Fatigue
Many of the most common causes of car accidents are due to human error. However, some accidents are caused by factors out of human control, such as bad weather and poor road conditions. The average driver has three to four vehicle-related accidents in their entire life. However, reports suggest that fatalities have consistently declined in recent years.
Preventing Accidents
While some of these accidents are unavoidable, you can reduce the chances of being involved in a serious accident by being vigilant on the road. Driving a car with safety features (blind spot detection, lane departure warnings, automatic braking), avoiding driving at night and during high-traffic times and taking extra caution in bad weather can also help you prevent a serious accident.
Car accidents, whether serious or minor, may be more common than you think. But you can take steps to avoid one.