t is unfortunate that car accidents often happen, and they can occur anywhere, anytime. Even with the existence of modern technology and substantial emphasis on automobile safety, vehicular accidents continue to happen.
The causes of automobile accidents are quite varied. It is highly important for all drivers to understand the most recurrent causes of car accidents. Knowing the common causes will prompt drivers to make every effort in preventing car accidents.
The frequent causes of car accidents feature two broad categories. The first category involves driver error, and the second category incorporates all other causes.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and proclaims that driver error is by far the single major cause of vehicular accidents in the United States.

The Most Common Reasons Why Car Accidents Happen

Drivers, and other people involved cause car accidents in various ways, but basically those are careless mistakes that even a good driver can commit from time to time. Awareness on the common reasons why car accidents happen can help drivers prevent risky, dangerous consequences. Likewise, prevention of car accidents can save them from any further costs.
Take some time to read and understand the three most common causes of car accidents:  

• Distracted Driving

The most common cause for grave vehicular accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving accidents occur when a driver is neither focused nor unable to slow down before a collision. On the other hand, a focused driver may be able to react quickly to prevent or diminish the impact of a crash.

• Other forms of distracted driving: Distracted driving could also involve making phone calls, texting while driving, or using the cell phone in any manner. Likewise, eating while driving, attempting to multitask, getting distracted by something else, or a passenger causing a commotion in the vehicle are other causes of distracted driving.
• A driver’s reaction time is compromised: When a driver is distracted, their reaction time is jeopardized, thus potentially leading to severe accidents, injuries, expense, or worse death.
• Practice being mindful: To avoid distracted driving, practice on observing things at a great distance while driving. Also, try to observe how you react and perform as a safe driver. Such mental practices can help you focus on driving better.

A text or phone call may seem urgent at present, but it will never be worth the risk. It can be a difficult task to be a focused driver, but it will make a huge difference in your welfare and those around you.

• Speeding

What contributes to the severity of car accidents is speeding. The time for drivers to react on the road is delayed when they are speeding. This is why speed limits are displayed on roadways to remind drivers the specific speed limit that is safe for the conditions on a particular road.  

• Drive at a reasonable speed: Laws in various state dictate drivers operate a vehicle at a reasonable speed for current road conditions. In addition, the established speed limit on a current road should only be a driver’s absolute maximum speed.
• However, learn to observe hazards: A driver should also know how to observe hazards along the road before advancing at a cautious speed. For instance, in the presence of inclement weather, heavy business traffic, construction zones, and other dangerous conditions, drivers must not legally assume that they can drive at the established speed limit.

Moreover, speeding may often cause or eventually worsen many various types of collisions and dangerous occurrences.

• Shooting Gaps

Some drivers can grow impatient and try performing what is known as “shooting a gap.” This involves advancing their vehicle out into traffic while turning, changing lanes, merging, or simply overtaking another vehicle. Roads can get really busy and crowded, but it is not an excuse to commit a misstep and do a risky alternative to clear yourself from traffic.

• Left-hand turns are the most dangerous: Shooting gaps are especially dangerous when doing a left-hand turn, whether from a private property into a highway or mainroad, or at an intersection. This is a dangerous turn and are often poorly judged and rushed which causes accidents at traffic lights, stop signs, or simply in a parking lot.
• Wait patiently: A best practice for safe driving is waiting patiently for big, generous gaps on the road before advancing, merging, or pulling out to turn. Patience can go a long way, and it can help drivers prevent accidents and injuries.

• Other Common Reasons Why Car Accidents Happen

Moreover, there are plenty of other reasons why car accidents happen.

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Reckless driving
• Cutting too close at stop lights
• Following too closely
• Weather
• Not following the law
• Poor maintenance
• Falling asleep while driving, or being tired

Conclusion

These are the most common causes of vehicular accidents. You can become a safe driver by being aware and avoiding these common driving errors, and pitfalls. Simply adjusting your driving habits will keep your driving record clean, and keep you and your loved ones safe. If you are involved in a car accident, you can click here to consult with a lawyer to know the legal proceedings.

Lea Briggs is a young law writer who enjoys a challenge when writing. Lea aims to make sure her articles allow readers to have a basic grasp of the concepts she is writing, especially giving emphasis to how these subjects can help them in their daily lives. She likes to spend time with her family at home during her days off.