While new advances in vehicle technology have substantially improved safety, accidents still happen. These accidents can cause traumatic injuries and lasting impacts on life. While working with a car accident attorney Detroit can help to ease some of the stress of dealing with the aftermath of any injuries or lawsuits, it’s always best to do all you can to prevent accidents. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most frequent factors in auto accidents. Regardless of the reason, speeding is dangerous and puts other drivers at risk of severe injury or death. Speeding gives drivers less time to react to hazardous situations and increases the likelihood of a collision. Many must realize that even a small amount of speeding over the limit can significantly increase their risk of an accident. In addition, people often overestimate their ability to control their vehicles at high speeds. The force of a collision is directly proportional to the speed at which the vehicle is traveling at the time of impact. It means those driving faster will suffer more serious injuries than those moving at a lower speed. Speeding also increases the risk of a vehicle rolling over during a crash. It is particularly true for SUVs, jacked-up trucks, and cars with higher profiles.
Reckless Driving
Even with the advancements in-car technology and increased awareness, some accidents cannot be avoided. Reckless driving is an act of negligence. A person hurt in a wreck due to another driver’s choice of conduct should contact an experienced Grand Junction attorney immediately. The number of crashes caused by distracted driving continues to rise, even though the impact related to speeding and DUI has decreased over time. Texting, reading, using a cell phone or other device while driving, and other distractions can cause drivers to overlook traffic slowing down or stopping on the road, which results in rear-end crashes. Unsafe passing also makes up a significant portion of car accidents, especially on one-lane mountain roads. Many of these crashes occur when a driver attempts to pass another vehicle and fails to estimate the other driver’s speed correctly.
Distracted Driving
Cell phone use while driving is the leading cause of distracted crashes. Even reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, this is enough time to cover the distance of a football field. Other common distractions include eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for an object inside the vehicle and personal grooming. Drowsy driving is another significant factor in car accidents. Sleep deprivation reduces drivers’ awareness of the driving environment and impairs their decision-making abilities. It also slows reaction times and compromises their ability to take corrective action if necessary. Drowsy drivers are likelier to commit lane violations and fail to yield the right of way. These types of mistakes lead to serious injury crashes.
Alcohol
Whether it is due to drinking at home before getting behind the wheel or staying out late on a long road trip, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to serious accidents. Alcohol slows reaction times and interferes with decision-making. Often, alcohol is the culprit in head-on collisions and rear-end crashes.
Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
In Colorado, it is illegal not to wear your seatbelt. Whether you are the driver or a passenger, you must buckle up. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $65 for drivers and front-seat passengers or two points on your driving record for those under 18. Decades of research show that seat belts save lives, especially when worn properly. They also reduce injuries by distributing the force of a crash over stronger parts of the body instead of vulnerable ones, such as the head and torso. After a vehicle collision, getting medical help right away is crucial. It’s critical to have a doctor evaluate you, even if you believe you are not hurt, as shock can hide wounds.
