Understanding the top causes of motor vehicle accidents can go a long way in keeping you safe. Not only will you know what to look for when driving, but you can also adjust your driving style with safety in mind.
Here are 7 common causes of motor vehicle accidents:
- Distracted driving: This includes anything that distracts you, thus taking your attention away from the road and the vehicles in close proximity to yours. From texting to eating to conversing with passengers, there are many distractions to avoid.
- Speeding: It’s easy to drive faster than the speed limit, but doing so greatly increases the risk of causing an accident and/or losing control of your vehicle.
- Driving under the influence: From drugs to alcohol, driving under the influence is a serious problem in the United States. Doing so impairs your ability to control your vehicle and make sound decisions.
- Reckless driving: This takes on many forms, including but not limited to excessive speeding, illegal lane changes and road rage.
- Ignoring weather conditions: When weather conditions change without much notice, which is often the case in Massachusetts, drivers should adjust their approach to the road. For example, driving in the snow requires a different approach than driving on dry pavement.
- Running a red light or stop sign: Intersection accidents are all too common, and are often the result of a driver neglecting to stop at a red light or stop sign. As a driver, pay close attention to the activity at an intersection as you approach it.
- Driving at night: It’s difficult enough to drive safely during daylight hours. When you add in a lack of visibility, it’s an even bigger challenge to avoid trouble. In addition to using your headlights, slow down when driving at night. This gives you more time to react in the event of an emergency, such as someone pulling out in front of you.
When driving, keep these common causes of motor vehicle accidents in mind as a means of maintaining a high level of safety.
If you’re part of an accident as a result of another person’s negligence, call 911, receive medical treatment and then take steps to hold them responsible for causing the crash, injuring you and damaging your vehicle.
