Texas drivers should be aware of these common car accident causes
Vehicles are safer than ever before, yet car accidents still happen every day—here in Waco and across the country. While backup cameras and other safety features are effective for accident prevention, there is still an element of human error that can come into play.
Being aware of these common causes of car accidents helps you avoid drivers who engage in risky behavior behind the wheel.
Distracted driving
Cell phones have made distracted driving one of the leading causes of car accidents, yet distractions can include more activities than just phone calls. Drivers are often distracted by music, food and even conversations with the other passengers. Although it might be tempting to multitask during a boring commute, it is best to eliminate every distraction possible.
If you are in a car accident, try to take note of what the other driver was doing. If you saw them on their cell phone, be sure to mention it to your lawyer.
Drunk or drugged driving
Alcohol and drugs slow down a driver’s reflexes. They can also loosen a person’s inhibitions and cause them to make poor decisions. Yet, people still drive under the influence every day, putting themselves and others at risk. You should never get behind the wheel if you’ve been using drugs or alcohol.
If you spot the signs of a drunk driver on the road, move away from them. Once you can get to a safe location, you can then report the driver to the police.
Speeding and reckless driving
Speeding and reckless driving often occur with other dangerous driving habits. For example, people who are drinking are more likely to take the risk of speeding, and distracted drivers might not notice a change in the speed limits. Being hit by a car that is going too fast can lead to serious car accident injuries that interfere with your ability to work and enjoy your hobbies.
Drowsy driving
People are more likely to fall asleep while driving during long road trips, which is why truck drivers are required to follow certain guidelines to prevent them from trying to push themselves too far. You can also get into a car accident with a driver who is awake but extremely fatigued.
Someone who is tired might not react fast enough to an obstacle in the road or they might fail to see you coming. People who drive while they are exhausted should be held accountable for their actions, especially if they swerve into the other lane or completely off the road.
Running red lights (or failure to yield)
Drivers might choose to run a red light if they’re in a hurry or they fail to judge the timing of a yellow traffic light. Distracted driving can also cause someone to not realize that the light has changed.
Additionally, drivers may be confused by who should go first if 2 people stop their cars at a stop sign at the same time. This type of situation requires the driver on the left to yield to the car on the right. Failing to yield is one of the main causes of intersection accidents.
Inexperienced drivers
Drivers come to the roads with different backgrounds. Some are just young and haven’t had enough time to practice their skills; others might not have started driving until later in life. Ideally, every driver will take a formal education course, but some simply learn from their parents or other trusted drivers. This means that they might not have learned all of the driving laws. It’s also common for people who are visiting from somewhere else to be unaware of specific laws in the state.
Bad weather
Rain often mixes with oil on Waco roads, creating slick road conditions. Drivers should always slow down during inclement weather. While snow and ice aren’t common in central Texas, they can occur. If you are uncomfortable driving on ice, then it’s best to stay home. People who do venture out should leave plenty of room between them and the other cars on the road.
Poorly maintained roads and construction zones
Watching out for construction signs lets you know about hazards such as uneven pavement or a sudden slow down in traffic. Unfortunately, not everyone pays attention to the signs or construction zones. People are more vulnerable to having an accident on roads that are being worked on or that are poorly maintained.
Vehicle defects
Although drivers are responsible for making sure that the brakes work well and the tires are in good repair, some vehicle defects are the manufacturer’s fault. If the defect is serious enough, an accident can occur. Figuring out what happened with a vehicle is part of car collision investigations.
While all of these causes of car accidents might seem different, they all have a common thread: most of these factors involve negligence in some way or another. Whether you were hit by a drunk driver or someone who chose to run a red light, consulting with our team at the law firm of Brown Trial Firm can help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and damages.