Levi KeswickAccording to the World Health Organization, more than 1.25 million people die each year in car accidents. That’s an average of 3,287 deaths a day. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some eye-opening car accident statistics that will shock you. We’ll also discuss the main causes of car accidents and what you can do to avoid them. Stay safe on the roads!
The Main Causes Of Car Accidents
There are many factors that can contribute to a car accident. But, there are four main causes of car accidents that account for the majority of crashes. They are:
- DUI
- Speeding
- Seatbelt nonuse
- Distracted driving
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
DUI
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of car accidents. In fact, it’s responsible for about 28% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. If you’re going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. And if you’re taking medication that could impair your driving, don’t get behind the wheel. This usually includes antidepressants, anxiety medications, and sleeping pills. There are a variety of legal options for getting around if you can’t drive, so there’s no excuse for driving under the influence. Never drink and drive or take drugs and drive. It’s not worth the risk. Most states have strict DUI laws, so you could end up losing your license, going to jail, or worse. Leave your car at home if you’re going to be drinking.
The Dangers Of Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of car accidents. One car accident occurs every 6 minutes in the United States, and many of those are caused by speeding. When you’re speeding, you have less time to react to hazards on the road. And, if you do get into an accident, your chances of being seriously injured or killed are much higher. So, always obey the speed limit and drive at a safe speed for the conditions. And, the faster you’re going, the greater the risk. Driving just five miles over the speed limit can increase your chances of getting into an accident by up to 39%. So, obey the posted speed limits and drive at a safe speed for the conditions. It could save your life or the life of someone else.
Seatbelt Nonuse
Seatbelts are one of the most effective safety devices in cars. They’re estimated to reduce the risk of serious injury or death by up to 50%. But, sadly, seatbelt nonuse is still a major problem. A lot of people who were killed in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts. So, always make sure you and your passengers are buckled up before you hit the road. It’s a matter of life and death.
Distracted Driving
With all of the technology available today, distracted driving has become a bigger problem than ever before. Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from driving. This includes things like talking on the phone, texting, talking to passengers, and fiddling with the radio. Nearly 1 in 10 fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving. So, put away your phone and focus on the road. It could save your life or the life of someone else.
Hit-and-run
A hit-and-run is when a driver hits another vehicle or pedestrian and then leaves the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information. Hit-and-runs are becoming more common, with the number of incidents increasing by about seven percent each year. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, call 911 immediately and give them as much information as possible about the other vehicle. It’s a crime to leave the scene of an accident, and you could be facing serious penalties if you’re caught.
Drowsiness
Drowsy driving is a major problem on our roads today. It’s estimated that drowsy driving is responsible for about 20% of all car accidents. So, if you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a nap or get some coffee. Don’t risk falling asleep at the wheel. It’s not worth it. Drowsiness can sneak up on you, so make sure you’re well-rested before you get behind the wheel. And, if you’re driving long distances, take breaks every few hours to rest. It could save your life or the life of someone else.
Car accidents are a major problem on our roads today. But, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Always wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limit, and don’t drive distracted or drowsy. And, never drink and drive or leave the scene of an accident. If we all do our part, we can make our roads safer for everyone. We hope that this article was helpful! Stay safe!
