You take your life into your hands every time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle. There are so many risks when you’re driving, and even though you might be careful about every move you make, it’s impossible to trust that other drivers will follow the rules of the road. Auto accidents happen, but they are always preventable. Here are some of the most common causes.
1. Drunk Driving
People who drink then get behind the wheel with confidence believe they can make it to their destination without any trouble. They trust their abilities, sober or drunk, day or night. Unfortunately, intoxication at any level and at any time of day is a sure way to be increase the chances of a fatal car accident.
2. Distracted Driving
Hot on the heels of drunk driving is distracted driving. This risk continues to grow as more people become addicted to their smartphones and rely on them for everything from communication to navigation to entertainment. Distracted drivers are more likely to hit other drivers, run a light or stop sign, miss traffic signals, or collide with a pedestrian.
3. Teen Drivers
Everyone must start somewhere when it comes to driving. Unfortunately, teenage newbie drivers are inexperienced and often overconfident, thinking nothing bad could possibly happen to them while they’re driving. They’ve learned the rules of the road, but they certainly haven’t practiced them enough to make the right choice in a split second. Plus, this demographic is very distracted by smartphones and passenger friends.
4. Tailgating
Everyone has done it – the car in front of you is going far under the speed limit and you can’t take it anymore, so you drive as close to them as possible. This tailgating move pushes everyone’s buttons – including your own – and elevates your blood pressure. Unfortunately, the slow driver is not necessarily going to go faster just to satisfy your ire, but the likelihood of a car accident is quite high if they stop short and you’re flowing too close.
5. Speeding
Some people like to imagine themselves as race car drivers, zooming along the highway or navigating the turns on rural roads like a pro. Moving fast isn’t a sign of ability, it’s a sign of carelessness. When you speed, you can’t stop quickly if you need to and your reaction times will be compromised. Serious car accidents are the result of serious speed issues.
6. Reckless Driving
Speeding is one type of reckless driving, but there are many other issues that fall into this category: Passing where you shouldn’t pass, changing lanes illegally, running lights, ignoring warning signs, upsetting fellow drivers. You might feel good about being a little crazy on the roads, but you’re putting yourself at risk and everyone around you.
7. Bad Roads
Sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control that impact your safety on Michigan roads. Bad roads develop over time, mostly because of weather and traffic. Potholes, particular for motorcyclists, can be deadly. Defensive driving, however, and not being distracted, drunk, or overconfident can help you avoid the problems that bad roads can cause and the subsequent car accidents.
If you have been involved in a car accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Femminineo Attorneys, PLLC in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.
