Every time you get in a car, there’s a chance that you could wind up getting into some kind of car accident. While not all car accidents result in major injuries or damage to property, it’s still best to do all you can to avoid getting into a car accident. However, many drivers are putting themselves and others in danger without even really realizing it. According to an infographic from Insurance Hotline, the four main categories of car accidents are human error, miscalculation, over-correcting, hazardous driving behavior. So to help you keep yourself and others safe, here are three of the most common reasons for car accidents and what you can do to avoid falling victim to them.
Driving While Distracted
One of the biggest reasons for driving concern in recent years is distracted driving. With modern advances in technology, there are now more things that can distract us while driving than ever before. But luckily, technology has also made it easy to operate your car without having to take your hands off the wheel in most instances. Still, Laiza King, a contributor to the Huffington Post, writes that you should still make a conscious effort not to call, text, eat, read, or do other menial tasks while you’re driving. Getting these things done while in the car won’t save you any time if you end up in a car accident because of it.
Inclement Weather Conditions
There are quite a few ways that the weather or other natural occurrences could cause you to have a car accident. But according to Emily Delbridge, a contributor to The Balance, getting in a car accident as a result of weather or animals is still considered to be the fault of the driver when it comes to insurance claims. Knowing this, it’s important that you take the time to survey the driving conditions you’re in and change your driving habits accordingly. For example, if there is fog, rain, ice, or wind that’s affecting your ability to drive safely at the posted speed limit, slow down, become more alert, and be ready for anything the roads could throw at you.
Driving Too Fast
While everyone wants to make good time on the road and get to their destination quickly, traveling at high speeds can often make you more vulnerable to getting in a car accident, especially one that could cause untold amounts of damage to you or others. And according to Mario McKellop, a contributor to CBS Los Angeles, driving at high speeds gives you less time to react to what’s coming at you on the road, which can result in getting in a car accident. So to keep this from happening, stick to the speed limit and don’t cause yourself to be in too big of a rush while on the road.
To keep yourself and others safe, use the tips mentioned above to help you be a safer driver and avoid car accidents.
