Most car accidents are caused by human error, and they can therefore be avoided simply by avoiding those mistakes behind the wheel. Below are three common accident causes that fit this bill.
1. Aggressive driving and road rage
Aggressive driving is a bit different than road rage, in that it includes things like tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and passing when there’s hardly any space. In essence, the driver is just on the edge of being out of control. Road rage may include some of these same actions, but it’s done intentionally because the driver is angry with another driver and acting out.
2. Focusing on anything else but driving.
You would think someone who is in control of a two-ton machine going 70 miles per hour would think about nothing but controlling that machine, but the opposite is too often true. Drivers are checking their phones, talking to passengers, trying to find a new song on the radio, eating breakfast and putting on makeup. These are all serious distractions that happen daily.
3. Not maintaining the vehicle.
Too many people think that the car will just run perfectly with little input from them. They don’t check their tires until there’s a blowout and they’re swerving all over the road. They don’t replace the brake pads until the brakes don’t worry properly and the car doesn’t slow down nearly as fast as it should. Cars are very advanced machines and need to be maintained correctly.
Have you been hurt in an accident caused by a driver who made one of these easily avoidable mistakes? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Be sure you know your rights.
Source: Western Autobody, “5 Causes of Car Accidents & How to Avoid Them,” accessed April 20, 2017
