The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents happen everywhere, every day. Most people at least know someone who has been in a car accident if they, themselves have not. If you have been in an accident and are reading this, consider yourself lucky: approximately 1.2 million people die every year from car accidents, and by the year 2020 that number is expected to rise by 65 percent, according to a report by WHO and the World Bank.

What’s worse; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death among people aged 3 to 33.

You may wonder why, if cars have been around for so long, have safety features not evolved to the point of being able to prevent all of these car accidents and deaths? As it turns out, most of these car accidents aren’t accidents at all, but a consequence of the driver’s behavior.

Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones against them.

Distracted Driving

In New Jersey alone, distracted driving has contributed to nearly 750,000 car accidents since 2009. As technology becomes more accessible it becomes easier to justify its use when our attention should be elsewhere. Cell phones, specifically, are becoming the most common cause of distracted driving. In fact, the state of New Jersey passed a law that makes it a primary offense for a driver to talk or text while driving. Failure to obey this law comes with a hefty fine.  Texting is quickly replacing drunk driving as the main concern of poor driving behavior, so make the pledge today to put your phone away when you’re operating a vehicle.

Speeding

Speeding causes one-third of all auto accidents in America. Just the difference between 40 and 60 miles per hour can DOUBLE the impact of a crash. If you do the math, going an extra few miles per hour won’t save you that much time, but it can save your life to stick to the speed limit. Decide today to follow the speed limit, even if that means leaving 10 minutes earlier to get to your destination. Also, make sure to abide by any reduced speed limits in construction zones, as fines usually increase heavily in these areas in order to protect the construction workers.

Drunk Driving

It goes without saying that operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, or any substance, is dangerous. There are serious laws and penalties for those who choose to do so; if they even survive an accident. Drunk driving not only puts your own life in danger, but everyone else on the road as well. The only way to prevent these accidents is to commit to giving up your keys when you drink and to always designate a driver to make sure you don’t put anyone else in danger if you drink.

Equipment failure

Sometimes neglecting our 4-wheeled friends can cause an accident. Faulty brakes; uneven, underinflated, or bald tires; and steering problems can all cause a loss of control and an accident on the roadway. Regular car maintenance by a knowledgeable mechanic can inform you whether or not your car is unsafe to drive or in need of repairs. If it’s been a while since your car received a maintenance check, schedule an appointment to have it looked over.

Prevention

When it comes to auto accidents, the best protection is prevention. Each of the above causes of car accidents can be prevented with a little preparation and a solid commitment to safe driving behavior. Encourage the drivers among your family and friends to be safe, as well.

It’s also important to ensure you have proper auto insurance coverage in case you cause or are the victim of an accident. Not only can it help with damages to your car, but if any injuries are sustained by individuals in your car or other cars involved, car insurance can help cover those costs to protect your assets.

There are a lot of different policies and types of protection you can choose from, so check out what Esposito Insurance Group in Nutley has to offer to protect you and your loved ones on the road here. If you’re ready to take that step and make sure you have all of the coverage and protection you need, request a quote today and worry a little less about your safety on the roadway.

A little goes a long way on the roadway, and a simple text message, a few miles over the limit, or just one more drink can make the difference between life and death. Choose to be a safe driver today.