by Contributor
(Feb. 22, 2022) — Here is how car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Here are 10 Leading Causes of Car Accidents in the United States!
Most people in the United States know that car accidents are one of the leading causes of death. But what are some other causes that contribute to car accident statistics? Here are ten leading causes of car accidents.
1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence, also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI), has become one of the leading causes of car accidents. Legal limits define intoxication based on blood alcohol content (BAC). Most states define DUI/DWI levels at .08% BAC, but some states define them lower or higher than that level depending on circumstances such as age, use of seat belts, type of road, etc. When someone’s BAC reaches .08, it is considered legally intoxicated.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or minds off of driving. Using cell phones (even hands-free), using in-dash electronics like GPS navigation systems, and applying makeup are some common distracted driving activities. Driving distractions contribute to thousands of fatal crashes every year in the United States.
3. Speeding
Most speeding laws define speeding as exceeding the posted speed limit by more than ten mph (mph). Excessive speed contributes to numerous car accidents each year in the United States.
4. Driving without a Valid License
Lack of a valid driver’s license is another leading cause of car accidents in the United States. In most countries around the world, you need a driver’s license to operate a vehicle on public roads and highways. Car accident lawyers from across the country have noticed that many car crashes are caused by drivers without licenses. In some cases, drivers with suspended or revoked licenses continue to drive despite being ineligible to do so.
5. Driving Too Slowly
Car accidents caused by driving too slowly (also known as “impeding traffic”) account for thousands of injury crashes every year across the United States. Although it may be unsafe for impatient motorists behind you who want to pass, your responsibility as a driver is to operate your vehicle at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for current conditions.
6. Inexperience/Attitude
Inexperience is another common factor in thousands of crashes every year in the United States. Driving is a skill that requires knowledge and practice to master; otherwise, it’s dangerous to operate a vehicle on public roads and highways. Licensing tests ensure that drivers have a minimum level of experience before they hit the road by themselves.
Attitudes towards driving also contribute to car accidents across the country. Drivers who are angry, hostile, or aggressive may make critical errors when driving. Other drivers who may be overly confident of their driving skills or excessively competitive on the road also contribute to accidents across the nation.
7. Road Conditions
Bad weather and road conditions cause thousands of car accidents each year in the United States, including ice and snowstorms, heavy rainstorms, and foggy conditions. Driving in poor weather requires extra caution because you never know what kind of hazards may be ahead.
8. Defective Auto and Vehicle Design
Defective auto parts are another major factor in car crashes every year across the country. As cars become more advanced with complicated computer software, technology failures are becoming a common cause of vehicle accidents around the country. Poorly designed highways, dangerous intersections, and defective traffic signs are other factors linked to numerous car accidents in the United States.
9. Failure to Yield
Failure to yield is another common contributing factor for car accidents resulting in injury and death throughout the United States. Drivers must stop or yield at intersections and crosswalks before proceeding. Failure to yield properly has resulted in thousands of injury crashes each year across the country. If you’re ever involved in a car accident, make sure to contact an experienced auto accident lawyer to help you with your case.
10. Road Rage
As the number of cars on the road increases, so does the frequency of car rage. Aggressive driving is any behavior that operates a vehicle in an unsafe manner with disregard for others or their property. Road rage can include speeding, rapid acceleration/deceleration, running red lights and stop signs, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and unsafe lane changes. Aggressive driving is an act of road rage.
Road rage is a serious problem in the United States. It’s responsible for thousands of car accidents every year, and it can lead to more serious consequences such as violence and even death. If you ever find yourself in an altercation with another driver, it’s important to stay calm and avoid escalating the situation.