Originally Published: November 11, 2020 • Updated: January 3, 2023
Poor driving practices and negligent driving behaviors endanger everyone on our roads. Your life, your passengers, and other motorists depend on safe, attentive driving. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help you avoid an accident and not be the cause of it.
Distracted Driving.
Mention distracted driving, and most people think of texting, emailing, or talking on a cell phone. Truth is, distracted driving includes anything that takes your attention off the road—eating, adjusting the controls on your dashboard, or even talking with other passengers in the car. All it takes is just a few moments of distraction to cause an accident.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Even if you are a master multitasker at home or in the office, driving is the one place where your focus must stay singular.
Speeding.
Speeding is another common contributor to accidents. You get out on the road, and sometimes it is hard to resist going a little faster than the speed limit. Whether you are running late, rushing to an emergency, or simply ignoring posted limits, driving too fast reduces your control and increases stopping distance.
Follow posted speed limits and resist the urge to speed. Speeding can result in serious injuries such as whiplash or concussions.
Questions? Call us at (877) 284-6600.
Drunk Driving.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications is one of the deadliest causes of accidents. Impairment slows reaction time, affects judgment, and increases the likelihood of falling asleep or driving recklessly.
Use a car service such as Uber or Lyft, designate a sober driver, or give your keys to a friend. Do not get behind the wheel after you have been drinking.
Reckless Driving.
Aggressive behaviors—speeding, changing lanes too quickly or unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or improper turns—are all reckless driving behaviors that increase the risk of an accident occurring. These accidents are completely avoidable. Simply take your time while driving and pay attention to the rules of the road.
Night Driving.
Driving at night presents a whole new set of challenges to drivers. Visibility is limited. It is more difficult to see obstacles or hazards on the road. Drivers suffer from night blindness, halos, and glare from the lights. Night blindness and fatigue also play a role. Extra caution is essential when driving after dark.
Teenage Drivers.
Even the best teen driver can have an accident. Teens are young and inexperienced, and even if they know what to do in an unsafe condition, they may not be able to execute it.
Help protect your teen by:
Poor Weather Conditions.
Dense fog, heavy rain, high winds, snow, and ice make driving more dangerous for everyone. Inexperienced or unprepared drivers are especially at risk. When visibility is low, or roads are slick, the safest choice may be to pull over and wait for conditions to improve.
If you have been seriously injured in a car or truck accident, you deserve experienced legal representation. Nash & Franciskato has a proven track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
In the Kansas City area and across Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights. Contact our legal team today at (877) 284-6600. One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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