By now, most drivers understand the serious consequences that are involved with drinking and driving. Although drinking and driving does result in a significantly high auto accident rate, there are many other contributing factors to auto accidents. Many of these causes are never discussed and new drivers may not even be aware of the risks. When you take on the responsibility of operating a vehicle, you are responsible for your own life, your passengers, and any other drivers on the road. In addition to drinking and driving, be aware of these other common causes of auto accidents.
Distracted driving
At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. Following drinking and driving cases, distracted driving is currently one of the top contributors to auto accidents and car accident lawyer claims. Cell phones and car electronic systems have the ability to do more than ever, making temptations high while driving. In many situations, driving while distracted is very similar to driving after consuming a couple of alcoholic drinks.
Fatigued driving
Fatigued driving is also a leading contributor to car accident lawyer claims. While people know that they should refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, many do not realize the dangers of driving while fatigued. A high percentage of fatigued cases that car accident lawyers deal with include employed truck drivers. Oftentimes, they are required to drive many miles per day, with little rest.
In 2012, large trucks were more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple vehicle crash as opposed to a fatal single vehicle crash than were passenger vehicles (81% of fatal crashes involving large trucks are multiple vehicle crashes, compared with 58% for fatal crashes involving passenger vehicles). Additionally, truck accident lawyers may have more serious of cases because of the additional weight of the trucks and the fact that the truck driver was on company time.
Inexperienced driving
The legal driving age in most states is 16. If a teen wants to obtain their driver?s license at 16, they are required to take a state issued exam and class. Their parents have to attest that they have a specific number of hours driving experience. Most driving tests do not encounter all of the driving distractions and problems that a driver can face. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to cause a crash when met with things like poor weather conditions or distractions.
Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death in 2014 for individuals age 11 and also for ages 16 through 24. It can be helpful to limit a teen?s driving until they are better experienced. Limitations might include driving alone, the use of the radio, and cell phone usage. These limitations could prevent the need for a car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney. It could also potentially save your child?s life.
Not following pedestrian rules
Auto accidents affect more than the drivers on the road. An auto accident can also affect pedestrians nearby. Pedestrians that ignore crossing rules and street lights are sometimes involved in auto accidents, leading to the need for an accident law firm. In most cases, the driver is charged with injuries to the pedestrian, regardless of the actions of the pedestrian. This is because it is the driver?s responsibility to notice everything around them, including pedestrians illegally crossing the road.
Most media providers focus on auto accidents and drinking and driving cases. The reality is that there are many additional causes of auto accidents and the need for a truck accident attorney. New drivers need to be aware of these causes in order to prevent them. Common causes of auto accidents include distracted driving, inexperienced driving, pedestrians ignoring road regulations, and fatigued driver on company time. If you find that you are victim of or subject to one of these charges, consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.