Traffic laws and safety practices have come a long way, but the reality is that driving is still relatively dangerous. A few unsafe driving habits compromise the integrity of the road for all its passengers, as those who’ve been involved in an auto accident that was the fault of another driver can vouch for.
To help spread awareness of these personal injury-causing driving habits, thereby reducing their frequency, let’s take a look at the top causes of auto collisions.
Texting and Driving
Unfortunately, texting and driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents today. Looking at and interacting with a screen, even for a matter of seconds, can have deadly consequences. Importantly, this accident cause refers to all mobile phone use; when behind the wheel, texting, playing games, selecting a song to play, and browsing the internet are all equally dangerous.
Drivers should put their mobile phones on silent and stow them in the glove compartment. This preemptive step will prevent one from texting and driving, and just as significantly, it will prevent one from being distracted by the urge to text.
Drowsy Driving
It may not seem like a big deal to drive on a few hours’ sleep and/or after a particularly tiring day, but a surprising number of car accidents result from drowsy driving. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, who conducted a study of dashboard video of 700 car accidents, 9.5% of all crashes involved drowsy drivers. Other than potentially falling asleep at the wheel, drowsy drivers can miss on-road cues and signs, which can result in an accident.
Anyone who’s suffering from fatigue should try to avoid driving until they’ve had a good night’s sleep. Taxis and ride-sharing programs are smart alternatives to getting behind the wheel. If someone who’s drowsy must drive, he or she should open the windows and play loud music while doing so.
Impaired Driving
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or an illicit substance is a major cause of auto accidents. Reflexes, decision making, hand-eye coordination, and overall awareness can be compromised by excessive indulgence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers are extremely hazardous to other motor vehicle operators.
Getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or another reaction-impairing substance is never okay. Instead, try to have a designated driver. If that’s not an option, don’t hesitate to use a ridesharing service.
Contact a Car Accident Injury Attorney if You’ve Been Hurt in a Collision
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident that was the fault of another driver, contact our caring and attentive personal injury attorneys in Boca Raton. Our car accident lawyers are standing by to help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 561-939-8042 for a free consultation.