Life is scary. It is not always safe. There are a lot of things that could kill a person at any time. You may be thinking of a medical issue such as a heart attack or brain tumor, but what about a car accident?
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people of certain ages. In the United States, they are the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 54. Globally, more than 1 million people are killed in car accidents every year, so it is not something that should be taken lightly. Cars are, in fact, dangerous weapons.
The risk of fatality is not always the same when you are driving, though. There are certain conditions that increase the risk and make serious accidents more likely to occur. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents.
Speeding
As the saying goes, speed kills, and it is no lie. Driving too fast makes it harder to slow down safely in the event of a road hazard. It also makes it harder to go around a curve. Speeding can also cause a loss of control. Even if you are in a hurry, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you do get into a crash, faster speeds increase the severity of the damage and resulting injuries. It is best to just slow down and follow the speed limit.
Distracted Driving
Many people think they can multitask while behind the wheel, but the results are often disastrous. When you are driving, you need to be doing just that. Your eyes need to be focused on the road. Both hands need to be on the steering wheel. Your mind needs to be focused on the task of driving. You should not be texting, reading, changing the radio station, applying makeup, eating, or dealing with children or pets while driving. These are all distractions that can cause you to get into a deadly accident. More than 3,000 people are killed by distracted driving every year, so it is no laughing matter.
Drunk Driving
We all know drunk driving is wrong, but many drivers do it anyway. A person is considered to be driving while intoxicated when their blood alcohol content is at or above 0.08%. But a person may be impaired before reaching that point. Having just one drink can impair judgment, reaction times, and more. Thousands of fatal accidents every year are caused by drunk driving.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy drivers may also be out at night, so it is safer to be out during the day. A person may fall asleep behind the wheel for various reasons. They may be sick or tired. They may have worked a long day. In any case, it is important to know the signs of drowsy driving. They include:
- Yawning excessively
- Rubbing your eyes
- Difficulty keeping your head up
- Difficulty focusing
- Missing traffic signs
If you notice these signs, pull over to a safe place and rest. If you fall asleep while behind the wheel, you could crash or go off the road. In fact, drowsy driving is said to be just as bad as drunk driving.
Night Driving
Many people have trouble driving at night, and for good reason. Visibility is greatly reduced at night. It is harder to see the road and judge distance. Your perception is off, and the combination of road lights and headlights makes everything worse. On top of that, wrong-way drivers and drunk drivers are more likely to be out at night, making it even harder to avoid accidents. It is estimated that 40% of fatal car crashes happen at night, even though there is much less traffic at night.
Poor Weather
Poor weather is a huge factor in fatal motor vehicle accidents. Rain is especially dangerous, as it can cause slick roads, poor visibility, and unpredictable driving conditions. Ice and snow can also be dangerous on the road, causing a loss of control.
Swerving
Drivers often swerve to avoid people, animals, or objects in the road. However, it is best to avoid swerving, as it can cause you to collide with something else or even go off the road. Instead, brake firmly and brace yourself for the impact. If you do swerve, make sure it is safe to do so.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals
Teen drivers may run red lights or stop signs on a dare, but this act can be deadly. A driver who runs a red light may T-bone a vehicle that has the right of way, causing fatalities. Follow the rules of the road — it is the law. Plus, it is your duty to drive safely at all times. Do not endanger others with your stupidity.
Contact Us Today
When you are behind the wheel, anything can happen. Even if you are careful, you could still get into a crash, and there is a chance it could be fatal.
This is a scary realization, which is why it is important to do what you can to stay safe while driving. Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm can help you deal with the complexities of a car accident. Let us help you get full and fair compensation. Call (954) 876-4344 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.