Top 25 Causes of Car Accidents and What You Can Do To Prevent Them
Car accidents are an unfortunate part of everyday life in California. Thousands of crashes occurred during an average month in 2022, and approximately 3,000 of these resulted in traffic fatalities.
Many of these crashes can be attributed to one or more of the following causes:
1. Speeding
Going over the posted speed limit makes controlling your vehicle and avoiding hazards more difficult. The little time you might save by speeding isn’t worth the risk to your and others’ safety.
2. Distracted Driving
Always put away your cell phone and other distractions while driving. Even taking a few seconds to check a text message can lead to a devastating collision.
3. Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol
You can legally drive in California if your blood alcohol level is less than 0.08, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe to do so. Any amount of alcohol can distort your senses and impair your judgment, which can lead to severe or fatal accidents. Get a designated driver or arrange alternative transportation if you’re going out to drink.
4. Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Drugs (including prescription medications) can have many of the same impairing effects as alcohol. Never consume illegal drugs and drive. If you take medications, read the warning labels carefully, and don’t get behind the wheel until you know how you’ll be affected.
5. Drowsy Driving
You should get plenty of sleep before driving, regardless of how far away your destination is. Driving while fatigued is similar to driving while intoxicated, presenting risks like impaired judgment and delayed reaction time.
6. Right-of-Way Violations
Intersections are a frequent site of car accidents due to drivers forgetting the right-of-way rules, which decide who gets to proceed first when two or more cars approach an intersection. You can refresh your memory on these rules by consulting the state driver’s handbook.
7. Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
Whether intentional or not, running stop signs and red lights can lead to wrecks. Other motorists expect drivers to obey these signs and signals, which means they’re likely to be unprepared if you don’t.
8. Unsafe and Illegal Lane Changes
A sudden lane change can lead to a sideswipe collision involving one or more vehicles. Always check your blind spots and use your signal before switching lanes.
9. Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers know their actions are risky but engage in them anyway. Speeding, making sudden lane changes, or driving too fast for road conditions are just a few examples of reckless driving.
10. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, or “road rage,” includes dangerous driving behaviors directed at another driver. These include following too closely, making unsafe maneuvers, and speeding. Control your anger when driving, and be patient with others.
11. Following Too Closely
Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you can stop safely. Otherwise, you might not have enough time to avoid a collision if the car you’re following suddenly stops.
12. Sharp Curves
Pay attention to signs warning you of an upcoming curve and slow down. Taking a curve too fast can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
13. Road Defects
Potholes and uneven surfaces are more than irritating inconveniences. They can make it difficult to control your car, especially if you come upon these hazards without warning.
14. Vehicle Defects
Cars and trucks are complicated machines; if any of their core components suddenly fails, you could lose control of your vehicle. To prevent this, have your car serviced regularly and heed any recall notices you receive.
15. Driver Inexperience
Teenage drivers and those without significant experience are more likely to cause accidents because they don’t know how to respond properly to unexpected situations they encounter on the road.
16. Street Racing
Street racing may sound exciting, but it can threaten your life and those of other road users. Roads aren’t meant for racing, and the presence of other traffic only compounds the danger.
17. Driving At Night
You might assume a well-lit street is as safe at night as during the day. However, you should still slow down at night, as pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals can quickly dart into your path from out of the shadows.
18. Rain
Rain not only makes roads slick, but heavy rainfall can obscure your view. Because storms can brew up unexpectedly, it’s important to make sure your wipers are in good condition and take your time driving when it’s wet.
19. Ice and Snow
When precipitation and freezing temperatures combine, roads can quickly become treacherous. Even well-traveled avenues can have slick spots, making it vital to slow down and give yourself and others extra space.
20. Fog
Heavy fog can be a nuisance, especially when you’re late for an appointment. However, depending on the thickness, you might be unable to see but a few dozen feet in front of you, giving you little time to react to dangers.
21. Tire Failure and Blowouts
A sudden tire failure can take you by surprise and make your vehicle difficult to handle. A crash could be unavoidable if this happens on a busy freeway or in traffic. Check your tires frequently and replace them when they show excessive wear.
22. Animal Strikes
Exercise caution when traveling near wooded areas or other places with animal crossing signs, especially at dusk, night, and dawn. Even if you manage to miss the animal, you could still end up crashing while trying to evade it.
23. Improper Turning
Always use your turn signal and look in the direction you’re turning before initiating the maneuver. Also, confirm that you have the right of way before turning.
24. Wrong-Way Driving
Some roads permit traffic in only one direction. If you miss a sign and find yourself driving the wrong way down a one-way road, pull over and wait until you can safely change directions.
25. Human Error
Driving requires you to constantly adjust to changing conditions and make split-second decisions. When these decisions are wrong, an accident may be the outcome.
Careful Driving Saves Lives
While car accidents can happen for many reasons, most are preventable as long as drivers exercise proper care. Being more cautious and attentive while driving can make for a less stressful experience and keep everyone on the road safe.
Contact the California Car Accident Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor,
Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave,
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
