Car accidents are a way of life across the United States. Drivers accept this risk every time they sit behind the wheel of a car. In fact, nearly 4.5 million drivers suffer a serious injury from a car accident.
There are several root causes for vehicle accidents. Drunken driving or texting are just two examples of many.
Read on to learn all about the common causes of car accidents. Also, explore what to do after a car crash so you are prepared to handle the many responsibilities post-collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Unfortunately, driving under the influence (DUI) is far more common than it should be. In a given year, there are more than one million arrests related to the use of alcohol or drugs while driving.
Many of these DUIs are detected after an accident. Over 10,000 victims die each year due to an alcohol-impaired accident. This represents roughly 28% of all traffic-related fatalities.
Government officials and local police recognize the severity of DUIs. In response, politicians have passed harsh penalties for drivers convicted of a DUI. The penalties are even steeper for drivers that injure another person while driving intoxicated.
Local and state police are also trying to prevent DUIs. They execute DUI checkpoints and add extra patrol to monitor suspicious driving.
Texting
Texting while driving is another growing issue in the United States. It is especially prevalent with younger drivers that find it difficult to part with their phone. Some drivers are checking social media while behind the wheel.
This leads to distracted driving and significantly increases the risk of an accident. Just a few seconds with your eyes off the road could lead to a collision.
More than 3,000 lives are lost each year due to texting while driving. Countless more accidents are caused by texting. The nation is responding to this crisis with legislation and marketing efforts to prevent texting behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Besides texting, there are other forms of distracted driving. Any type of distraction falls in this category.
Some drivers are eating behind the wheel. Others are trying to care for a crying child or are busy talking to other passengers. Any of these conditions can distract the driver long enough for a collision to occur.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Now that you know some common causes of accidents, it is important to know what to do. For starters, you should contact emergency responders to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
This includes filing a police report. A police report helps with any insurance claims.
An insurance claim will help you pay for any necessary repairs. This includes hiring a CSI Collision Specialist for labor and material to get your vehicle back on the road.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Now you know some of the common reasons behind car accidents. Driving distracted or under the influence is certain to increase your collision risk. Also, texting is another risk factor.
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