Car accidents are unexpected and sometimes traumatic events. While it is impossible to prevent every car accident, many can be avoided if every driver knew the most common causes of accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes texting while driving, talking on the phone, or carrying on a conversation with a passenger while driving. Whenever a driver is not paying attention to the road, that is an invitation to disaster.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is made up of situations such as Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence. If you take prescription medication that warns you not to drive while under the medication’s influence, then you would be negligent for any accidents you may cause. Impaired driving has been replace by distracted driving as the number one cause of accidents, but it is still a very real threat.

Road Conditions

Icy or wet roads are obvious driving hazards that too many drivers take for granted. You should always use safe driving tactics when driving on bad roads, and you should never drive a vehicle that is not prepared with the proper tires and other equipment to handle bad roads.

Mechanical Malfunction

One of the more helpless situations for any driver is when they are obeying the rules of the road and suddenly their brakes fail. A mechanical malfunction can happen at any time, but you can reduce the chances of being in an accident because of a malfunction if you take proper care of your vehicle.

Bad Visibility

Snow and fog are two of the main causes for bad visibility while driving. Any road that has no street lights can also be dangerous on dark nights with cloud cover. When the visibility is bad, you need to either take it slow or pull over until visibility improves.

Speeding

You should never be in such a hurry to get somewhere that you are willing to risk your own life, and the lives of others, to get there. You can prevent accidents due to speeding by simply following the posted speed limits.

Running Lights

Red lights are designed to stop traffic, while yellow lights are there to warn traffic to slow down. When you follow the traffic lights as you are supposed to, you can avoid being the cause of a traffic accident.

Driving Recklessly

Drivers who do not follow the rules of the road will often find themselves involved in accidents. You need to respect other drivers and the rules of the road if you want to avoid a collision.

Design Issues

When you buy a car, you rarely put it through all of the driving situations you encounter. Sometimes a vehicle is designed in such a way that it blocks your visibility and creates an accident. When you test drive a vehicle, try to put it through as many real life situations as possible.

Driving Too Close

Tailgating the car in front of you is a sure way to cause an accident that you would get blamed for regardless as to who is at fault. Always give yourself at least two car distances between you and the car in front of you for safety.

Potholes

Ice, snow, and road construction can be accident catalysts, but potholes are a whole different thing unto themselves. At night, it can be difficult to see potholes and it can be hard to avoid them on busy roads. When you drive, always try to keep an eye out for potholes to protect yourself and the cars around you.

Loss Of Control

When your tire blows out or even comes loose from the car, it can create a dangerous situation. Have your tires and wheels checked every three months when you get an oil change to make sure you do not need new tires.

Animals

Most insurance companies will tell you that it is preferable to hit an animal crossing the road rather than swerving to avoid it. But most people swerve, and that can cause accidents. If you see an animal crossing the road and realize that swerving means an accident, then you have to choose the option that does not put you in the path of any other drivers.

Inexperienced Drivers

Young and new drivers should avoid busy roads until they feel confident in their abilities. In some cases, an inexperienced driver can be more dangerous than a distracted or impaired driver.

Merging Or Lane Changes

A successful merge or lane change requires cooperation from all of the drivers in the immediate area. When you see someone merging or changing lanes, give them the right of way to avoid an accident. When you are merging or changing lanes, be sure to choose a safe spot and use your turn signals to let other drivers know what you are doing.