Top Causes of Traffic Accidents

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes driving while using a cellphone, on-

board-electronics, and GPS. It also includes eating and drinking,

applying makeup, personal grooming, reading, and anything

else that takes your eyes off of the road. The solution: Turn

your cellphone off and keep your eyes on the road at all times.

Intoxicated Driving

Drunk driving, driving while stoned or high, or driving while on

prescription medications can all lead to serious or fatal

injuries. The solution: Do not drive when intoxicated. Ever.

Call a cab, call a friend, call Uber, or just stay home.

Drowsy Driving

Driving while sleepy impacts reaction time and interferes with

critical thinking. It also increases risks of falling asleep and losing

complete control of your vehicle. The solution: Get enough sleep

or use alternate forms of transportation.

Speeding

Driving over the posted speed limit and ignoring speed changes

can result in a loss of vehicle control, slower stopping ability,

and inadequate time to adjust to changing traffic and road

conditions. The solution: Follow all traffic signs and signals.

Aggressive Driving

Driving angrily, changing lanes erratically, tailgating, and

similarly aggressive behaviors place everyone on the road at

risk. The solution: Take a deep breath, give the person in front

of you some room, and practice patience.

Running Red Lights/Stop Signs

Blazing through an intersection without pause is risky and

often results in side-impact accidents. The solution: Stop

for a full two seconds at stop signs, come to a full stop

(when possible) on yellow, and never run a red light.

Failing to Check Before Switching Lanes

Changing lanes without first ensuring your path is clear is a good

way to side-swipe another vehicle. This is among the top causes

of fatal motorcycle accidents. The solution: Check your mirrors,

check over your shoulder, and always signal your intent.

Ignoring Construction Zones

Failure to slow to posted speeds and exercise caution in

construction zones can result in fatal accidents with

construction workers and a loss of vehicle control. Thesolution: Obey all posted signs in construction zones. Be

aware of workers who may be close to the road.

Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, and other conditions can make roadways slick

and dangerous for everyone on them. The solution: Drive

slowly in inclement weather, give the person in front of you

extra space, and allow for 15 to 30 minutes of extra travel time

to get to your destination.

Heavy Traffic

When traffic increases, so too do risks for accidents. The solution: Take your time, follow posted traffic signs and

signals, pay attention to the road, avoid drugs and alcohol,

signal your intent, and triple check before switching lanes to

help prevent causing an accident during peak travel times.

We Can Help!

Sadly, even the safest and most responsible driver may not

be able to avoid an accident caused by someone who can’t

be bothered to drive nicely. If you are injured or a loved one

is killed by one of these irresponsible drivers, our attorneys

can help. Call us at (402) 218-2641 to learn more.