• Poor road infrastructure, vehicle design issues, distracted driving, and impaired driving are common causes of vehicular accidents in the United States.
• Distracted driving includes activities like talking to passengers or using navigational devices while behind the wheel, while impaired driving is caused by alcohol consumption or drug use.
• Drivers must maintain reliable brakes and follow the rules of the road to prevent vehicular accidents. They should also pay attention while driving and hold themselves accountable for any mistakes they make.
• By following these tips, drivers can stay safe on the roads and avoid potential vehicular accidents. Safety should always be their top priority when behind the wheel!
Vehicular accidents are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and yet there is a surprising lack of understanding about why these accidents occur and how we can prevent them. Here’s a closer look at vehicular accidents in the U.S., including the most common causes and what people can do to reduce their occurrence and severity.
Common Causes of Vehicular Accidents
Vehicular accidents can happen at any time. But the causes behind them have a pattern. Here are some of the most common causes of vehicular accidents in the country:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions in the United States. According to statistics compiled by the NHTSA more than 3,000 people were killed due to distracted driving crashes.
While cell phones are often credited with causing most distracted driving incidents, any activity that takes your attention away from the road can qualify as distracted driving—including eating or drinking while behind the wheel, talking to passengers, or using navigational devices.
Impaired Driving
Another major cause of vehicular accidents is impaired driving due to alcohol consumption or drug use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that around 10,000 people die every year due to drunk driving crashes—a number that has remained relatively consistent despite efforts to reduce it through stricter laws and increased awareness campaigns.
Drivers need to understand their legal limits when it comes to alcohol consumption before getting behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol no matter how small the amount consumed may be.
Poor Road Infrastructure & Vehicle Design Issues
In addition to driver behavior, poor road infrastructure and vehicle design issues can also be contributing factors in vehicular accidents. Poorly designed roads can lead to confusion for drivers and make it easier for them to make mistakes; likewise, vehicles with faulty brakes or other design issues can cause deadly crashes even if all safety protocols are followed correctly by drivers themselves.
All drivers should ensure their vehicles are regularly serviced with OEM parts so as not to make their cars more prone to malfunctioning on the roads by using aftermarket parts instead which may not always meet safety standards set forth by auto manufacturers themselves.
Faulty Brakes
Lastly, sometimes the vehicle is at fault. Faulty brakes are one of the most common causes of vehicular accidents in the United States, with estimates suggesting that around 1 in every ten vehicles have faulty brakes at any given time.
How to Prevent Vehicular Accidents
Preventing should be your goal every time you go driving. Here are some ways to do that:
Maintain Brakes
Your brakes can save your life. That’s why you have to ensure that they are reliable. Make sure to have your brakes serviced regularly by reliable brake service providers and replace any worn parts as soon as possible. Doing this can drastically reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
Follow the Rules
Observing the rules of the road—including speed limits, traffic laws, and right-of-way designations—is essential for keeping everyone on the roads safe. Don’t assume you know better than the rules. Obey them and make sure everyone in your vehicle does as well.
Pay Attention
Distracted driving is a major cause of vehicular accidents, so it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings when driving. Avoid taking calls, texting, or other activities while behind the wheel.
Be Vigilant and Accountable
Driving requires vigilance and accountability. Be aware of your own driving habits, and hold yourself accountable for any driving mistakes you make. Every driver is responsible for their own safety—and the safety of others on the road—so be sure to always follow best practices when it comes to being behind the wheel.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any potential vehicular accidents. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when driving—so stay alert and drive responsibly!