The Top 6 Leading Causes Of Road Accidents

There are many causes of road accidents, but some are more common than others. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 6 leading causes of road accidents. These include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, running a red light or stop sign, reckless driving, and driver fatigue. By understanding the causes of these accidents, we can work to prevent them and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe on the roads.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. It can be anything from texting and driving, to fiddling with the radio, to talking on the phone. Anytime you take your eyes off the road, even if it is for a short moment, you are putting yourself and others at risk. In addition, you can be distracted by things inside the car, like passengers, or outside the car, like billboards. Namely, if you happen to be in one of the distracted driving accidents in St. Louis, it is a good idea to hire an experienced attorney. Otherwise, It is important to stay focused while driving and not let anything take your attention away from the task at hand. 

Texting and driving are especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. When you are looking at your phone, you are not looking at the road. When you are typing or reading a text, you are not using both hands to grip the steering wheel. And when you are thinking about what to type or read a message, you are not focused on driving. If you must use your phone while behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location first.

2. Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is another leading cause of accidents. It is never safe to get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter how “sober” you think you are. Alcohol slows down your reaction time and impairs your judgment. This can lead to dangerous mistakes, like speeding or running a red light. If you have been drinking, call a cab or Uber, or ask a sober friend for a ride. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others by driving drunk.

3. Speeding

Speeding is another major cause of accidents. When you are driving above the speed limit, you are more likely to lose control of your vehicle. This can lead to accidents, like hitting a pedestrian or veering off the road. In addition, speeding makes it harder to stop in an emergency situation. If you are speeding and someone cuts you off, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. It is important to always obey the speed limit and drive at a safe speed.

4. Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

Running a red light or stop sign is another leading cause of accidents. This is because it shows a complete disregard for the law and for the safety of others. When you run a red light, you are putting yourself and others at risk of being hit by oncoming traffic. In addition, you may be fined or even arrested for running a red light. If you come to a stop sign, be sure to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

5. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another dangerous behavior that can lead to accidents. This includes things like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or cutting people off. When you drive recklessly, you are not only putting yourself at risk but also the lives of others. It is important to drive safely and be aware of your surroundings.

Tailgating means following another car too closely. This can lead to an accident if the car in front of you stops suddenly or makes a sudden turn. Weaving in and out of traffic is dangerous because you are more likely to hit another car. Cutting people off is also dangerous because it can cause the other driver to swerve into oncoming traffic or lose control of their car.

6. Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a major cause of car crashes. When you are tired, your reaction time slows down and you are more likely to make mistakes. If you are feeling tired, it is important to pull over and rest. You should also avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when you are more likely to be tired. The best way to avoid driver fatigue is to get a good night’s sleep before driving.

All of these behaviors are extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. If you are driving, be sure to avoid these behaviors. Drive safely and remember to always be aware of your surroundings. By following these tips, you can help to prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.