A lot of people are surprised to find out that the most common causes of car accidents are all 100% preventable because they all come down to personal driving behavior. At Collision 24, we want our local Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton drivers to stay safe and drive responsibly.
The most common car accident causes are all illegal behaviors that can get you a fine, ticket, or worse punishment even if you don’t cause an accident. It’s important to be aware of the top causes for accidents and how you can practice safe driving every time you take your car for a spin.
1. Distracted Driving
Whether we’re on a short drive to run errands up the road or departing on a lengthy trip, drivers in the US face countless distractions each time we get into our cars and buckle up. Our busy lifestyles have made us notorious for distracted driving, from answering phone calls and responding to text messages to applying mascara at a red light or eating breakfast on the road with only one hand left on the wheel.
Distracted driving is present in instances as simple as changing the dial on your radio; it only takes a split second to miss a warning sign and end up in a collision. Anything that takes your attention away from focusing on your driving and your vehicle’s position on the road puts yourself and others at risk.
2. Speeding
Not only does speeding increase your risk of getting into an accident, but it has also been shown to increase the resulting severity of the potential accident damage.
Speed limits are developed throughout travel areas to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. Depending on a road’s quality as well as its twists, bends, turns, elevation drops, or gains, a maximum speed that the road can handle is determined for secure driving. By not adhering to speed limits, you shorten your reaction time and increase your risk of getting into an accident.
If you don’t see a speed limit sign, proceed with caution and apply your experience to the type of road you’re on: Go slowly through school zones and neighborhoods while traveling highways at a base speed of roughly 50 mph. Proceed safely until you spot a speed limit sign.
3. Drunk Driving
Driving while under the influence of alcohol continues to be a huge contributor to auto accidents. Because alcohol impairs how you respond to situations, your ability to make sound judgements is never sharp when you drink and drive.
With drunk driving being the most common cause of fatal car accidents, it’s an extremely risky, unwise decision to make.
4. Reckless Driving
Many people don’t equate the difference between speeding and reckless driving behavior. While reckless driving can be characterized by excessive speeding, the reckless distinction specifically entails blatant disregard for traffic laws be it tailgating, rapidly switching lanes, etc.
To steer clear of accidents, Collision 24’s service center of Brockton, MA, encourages local Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton drivers to be courteous when out on the open road.
If you ever should be the victim of a crash or collision, Collison 24 provides comprehensive car care post-accident. We work with your insurance carrier and provide friendly and efficient service. Contact us or schedule an appointment online today.