Leading Causes of Car Accidents

The World Health Organization has put out a report showing that over one million people are fatally injured per year as a result of car accidents. Additionally, another 20 to 50 million people suffer injuries from vehicle accidents every year. This is far more than other causes of fatality and injury on a yearly basis. It is crucial to be aware of the leading causes of car accidents each time you get behind the wheel. Drivers who are aware of the greatest risks can do more to reduce the likelihood of an accident.  

Leading factors that cause vehicle accidents are:

Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes for road accidents and over 20 percent of all accidents are caused by sleepy driving. Sleep deprivation can reduce reaction time and reduce a driver’s regular vigilance of potential hazards, such as animals wandering out on the roadway or other unexpected items in the road.

Driver Intoxication: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime but many people do not understand that even a small amount of alcohol, even below the legally permitted limit, may lower reaction times. In 2016, over 10,000 people were fatally injured in the United States as a result of alcohol-impaired driving. It also accounted for over 28 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States.

Driving While Distracted: Many people associate distracted driving with cell phones. Although this is a major factor in driver distractions, distractions can arise from several different sources, including listening to music, passenger interference, applying makeup, daydreaming, and eating food.  Research has shown that distracted driving can slow reaction time by 38 percent, which is three times more than drinking and driving.

Aggressive Driving: Drivers with raging emotions are extremely dangerous on the road. Over 50 percent of fatal accidents occur as a result of aggressive driving.  Aggressive driving can occur as a result of road rage, which is usually being angry at another driver as a result of their driving behavior. It can also occur as a result of an argument happening inside the car between the driver and passenger or the driver can be angry from a recent event they experienced prior to getting behind the wheel. Drivers should be aware of their emotions and the risk involved when they drive while angry. If drivers feel out of control for any reason, they should pull over.

Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims Injured in Car Accidents

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a car accident, regardless of the cause of the accident, contact the Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law today. Located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Mt. Holly, and Camden County. Contact us today by calling 856-414-0010 or submit an online inquiry form for a free consultation.