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CAR ACCIDENTS

Someone dies every 15 minutes in a car accident

10 of the most common causes of car accidents include:

  1. Distracted Driving. Distracted drivers are the top cause of car accidents in the U.S. today.
  2. Speeding. Speed kills, and traveling above the speed limit is an easy way to cause a car accident.
  3. Drunk Driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol causes car accidents every day, even when they are one the top causes that can be avoided.
  4. Reckless Driving. Reckless driving is a moving violation in which a driver displays a disregard for the rules of the road
  5. Rain. Car accidents happen very often in the rain because water creates slick and dangerous surfaces for cars, trucks, and motorcycles
  6. Running Red Lights. Drivers that run red lights, run the risk of causing wrongful death because they often cause side-impact collisions at high speeds.
  7. Running Stop Signs. Each year, thousands of car accidents occur because one driver ran a stop sign. Many rollover accidents and side-impact car accidents result from drivers that run stop signs.
  8. Teenage Drivers. When teen drivers hit the roads they don’t always know what to do and that lack of experience ends up causing car accidents.
  9. Night Driving. Driving in the daylight can be hazardous, but driving at night nearly doubles the risk of a car accident occurring.
  10. Design Defects. Automobiles have hundreds of parts, and any of those defective parts can cause a serious car accident.

To be prepared for driving, you can:

  • Practice: Practice safe driving behaviors in a variety of situations, such as merging onto highways, handling traffic, and parallel parking. Practice as often as you can.
  • Learn the car: Understand how your car accelerates, brakes, and handles. Get familiar with the different parts of the car, including how to pump gas, change a tire, and add windshield washer fluid.
  • Adjust the vehicle: Make sure your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors are adjusted properly for comfort and safety.
  • Get enough sleep: Get a good night’s sleep before driving.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to keep your body and mind operating at peak condition.
  • Wear the right shoes: Avoid wearing heavy boots, flip flops, or high heels.

Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings and taking steps to avoid accidents. Here are some tips for defensive driving

  • Plan ahead: Know your route and anticipate conditions like traffic and weather. You can listen to the radio for traffic updates.  
  • Be aware: Check your mirrors often and scan the road ahead and behind you.  
  • Stay calm: Avoid distractions and stay sober.  
  • Maintain a safe distance: Keep a minimum of two to four seconds of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you.  
  • Slow down: Slow down when approaching intersections, in bad weather, or on steep grades.  
  • Be patient: Let speeders pass and wait your turn at intersections.  
  • Be aware of others: Assume other drivers may be distracted or don’t see you.  
  • Never assume a driver is going to stop until they do
  • Defensive driving can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the road. 

After a car accident, you should: 

  • Stay calm: Check for injuries and make sure you and your passengers are safe.  
  • Call 911: If there are injuries, call 911 to request medical assistance.  
  • Move your car: If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road or as far away from traffic as possible.  
  • Call the police: The police will make a report of the accident.  
  • Exchange information: Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of all drivers involved. You should also get the license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.  
  • Take pictures: Take pictures of the vehicles, skid marks, and any other details. You should also take pictures of any injuries and damaged property.  
  • Don’t admit fault: Don’t say you’re fine, don’t say you don’t need medical care, and don’t admit fault.  
  • Start the claims process: You can contact your insurance company to start the claims process.  

In California, you could lose your driving privileges if you don’t report an accident within 24 hours. Failing to report may also lead to hit-and-run charges.