Being involved in a road accident is not only inconvenient, but the results can be quite catastrophic too. This is true not only for the vehicles or the property but for the lives at stake as well. Thus, you need to exert the extra effort to prioritize your safety while you are on the road, but to do so, you need to be aware of the common causes of road mishaps.
This article lists down some of the leading causes of road accidents that you and every motorist should know.
Over Speeding
One of the most common causes of road accidents is over speeding. When you are driving beyond what is allowed on the highway or the road that you are on, you are risking your life as well as the lives of the other motorists on the road. The reason behind this is that as you go faster, the risk of losing control over your vehicle also tends to be greater.
To ensure that you are driving within the specified limits in a certain jurisdiction, make sure that you research your route beforehand. Fortunately, there are already various online sources that you can refer to. This is where you will be able to read more of the information that you need when it comes to speed limits. Just keep in mind that you should not also drive slower than the speed limit specified because not going with the common flow of the traffic can also put you at risk.
Drunk Driving
Another leading cause of road accidents is drunk driving. When you are under the influence of alcohol, there is a great chance that you will not be able to think clearly. Thus, you will not be able to make the sound judgment that is needed in defensive driving. Apart from this, there is also a great chance for you to forget road basics such as signaling before you make a turn or slowing down on bends and stopping at intersections. Thus, make sure that you don’t drink if you are the designated driver.
Driver Distractions
Various driver distractions are also considered as a leading cause of road accidents. One of the most common types of distractions is the use of a smartphone while driving. In this case, a driver may be tempted to send a text message, steering his or her eyes away from the road. Within the brief moment that he or she does so, the results may already be unfortunate. Even eating or drinking can prove to be sources of distraction to a driver, entailing the need for him to take his eyes off the road or miss other motorists near him.
Beating the Red Light
Traffic lights are put in place for a reason, and this is to ensure that the traffic is organized and flowing in a manner that is safe for all motorists. As a driver, you should only proceed in passing an intersection when the green light is on. As soon as the light turns yellow or orange, you should already slow down in preparation to stop, so that when the light turns red, you can come to a complete halt.
However, there are instances wherein some drivers are just tempted to beat the red light, either because they are in a hurry, or they deem that there are no other vehicles on the other side of the road. In this case, they are not only risking a violation of the traffic laws, but they are also risking their lives, as well as the other lives of drivers on the road. When another vehicle suddenly emerges from the other side, the result can be a fatal collision.
Non-compliance with Traffic Rules
Finally, non-compliance to traffic rules is also considered as another leading cause of road accidents. After all, traffic rules are generated to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike. This is the reason why before you can even get a driver’s license, you need to pass an exam that evaluates your knowledge of these traffic rules. Violations of these rules put people’s lives at risk. Even the improper use of safety gears such as helmets and seat belts also contribute to this factor.
The leading causes of road accidents listed above are only some of the ones that you need to be aware of. In this case, you are in a better position to know better and protect yourself, ensuring that you don’t get into a road mishap. After all, nobody wants to be involved in a fatal car crash that is not only catastrophic to vehicles and other property but the lives of motorists as well.
Additional resources:
- For more advice, visit legal professionals at FVF Law
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