Main Causes of Car Accidents

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause for car accidents in the United States each year. According to a recent study performed in 2018, at least 80 percent of car accidents are caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving includes texting, calling, eating, applying makeup, brushing your hair, touching the radio and many other things as well. According to driverknowledge.com, 33 percent of people admit to texting and driving, which raises their chance of being in an accident by 23 times every time they drive their vehicle. Do your part to lower the chance of traffic accidents by focusing all of your attention on the road, not texting while driving, and not being distracted by things or people inside of your car.

2. Speeding

Speeding is also a leading cause for car accidents, which is why law enforcement around the country hand out nearly 100,000 speeding tickets per day. When you are traveling above the speed limit, this gives you less time to react in the case of an emergency. Following the speed limit will significantly reduce your chances of being in a car accident. Slow your car down and drive more conservatively, so that you keep yourself and others safe.

3. Driving Under The Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also a leading cause for car accidents. On average, a person is killed every 53 minutes due to a drunk driver being out on the roads. If you have had a couple of drinks and need to get home, please utilize a taxi service, uber, or call a friend to come pick you up to ensure that you arrive home safely. When you drive drunk, not only do you put yourself at risk, but you put everyone else on the road at risk as well.

4. Reckless Driving

Car Accident Fast Facts

• Nearly 1.25 million people die in road crashes each year, on average 3,287 deaths a day across the globe.

• Road traffic crashes rank as the 9th leading cause of death and account for 2.2% of all deaths globally.

• Road crashes are the leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, and the second leading cause of death worldwide among young people ages 5-14.

• Over 40,000 people in the United States die in road crashes each year.

• Nearly 8,000 people in the United States are killed in crashes involving drivers ages 16-20.

• In 2017, seat belts saved 14,955 lives.

• 1 in 7 people do not wear a seatbelt while driving.

• Seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 45%.

• People not wearing a seatbelt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle during a crash.

These facts about car accidents were taken from the Association For Safe International Road Travel. 

Every time that you get behind the wheel and put your foot on the gas, you are taking a significant risk. When driving, use extreme caution and always be fully aware of your surroundings so that you lower the chances of being involved in a wreck. 

Barfoot & Schoettker

If you do end up in the unfortunate event of a car accident, it’s crucial to make sure you write down all information, regardless of if it was or wasn’t your fault and contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand what benefits you are entitled to, as well as steps that you should take to ensure that you are compensated properly for your pain and suffering.

If you were recently in a car accident and feel like your situation was not handled correctly and that you are missing out on compensation, please give us a call at (334) 834-3444. We would love to schedule a consultation with you to assess your situation and then help you fulfill your needs. When you work with Barfoot & Schoettker, you can guarantee that your legal rights will be protected while relying on an experienced team of auto accident lawyers to represent you.

Here are some links to related information

• Personal Injury
• Slip and Fall Injuries
• Medical Malpractice