Every day, people are injured in car collisions caused by drivers’ bad habits. According to government statistics, these accidents happen as a result of people travelling for too long without taking a break, the behaviour of drivers and external issues such as the weather.
Whether you’re an experienced driver or driving for the first time, here are some of the most common causes of car accidents and what you can do to avoid them.
1.) Speeding
Speeding contributes to around 11% of all injuries in car accidents reported to the police. ROSPA reported that more than 200 people were killed in crashes involving someone exceeding the speed limit in 2017. Make sure you drive at an appropriate and safe speed to avoid causing a serious, if not fatal, car collision.
Road speed limits are set for good reasons. Human reaction times, visibility and your cars ability to handle bends all have limits. Speed limits indicate to you what these limits are for each stretch of road. Remember that they are maximum speeds. If weather conditions are poor or your car is heavily loaded you should not be travelling at the maximum speed limit.
2.) Distractions
In 2015, 3% of all reported road accidents in the UK were caused by something within the car distracting the driver, according to ROSPA. These distractions included:
- Mobile phones and screens
- Music
- Smoking
- Eating and drinking
Not paying attention when driving dramatically increases your risk of a car collision. To reduce the risk of an accident, concentrate on your driving and minimise the risk of distractions within your vehicle. If you are being distracted or need to do something that is going to distract you from the road, find a safe place to pull over.
3.) Dangerous Driving
Tailgating, sudden braking, and overtaking on the inside are all examples of driving carelessly. Not only can dangerous driving cause serious accidents but you could face a large fine and even a prison sentence if you are found guilty of such behaviour. Keep your distance from the car in front and abide by the Highway Code to avoid causing a collision.
4.) Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions are blamed for many car collisions in the UK every year. Heavy rain, snow, and even direct sunlight can make it harder for you to see, while sleet and wet roads can cause the car to lose its grip. When driving in poor weather conditions, it’s important to reduce your speed and increase the distance between you and the car in front. Also avoid making sudden manoeuvres.
5.) Tiredness
Did you know that car collisions caused by tiredness are 50% more likely to result in death or serious injury, according to ROSPA? That’s because fatigue reduces reaction time and alertness, meaning that the driver is less able to brake or swerve in time to avoid a collision. If you are feeling tired, pull over at a rest stop or take a short nap in a safe place to avoid causing a serious accident.
Unfortunately, people are injured in car collisions as a result of speeding, distraction, dangerous driving, bad weather conditions and tiredness. However, by driving within the speed limit, concentrating on the road, keeping your distance from the car in front and taking extra care when driving in bad weather conditions, you can reduce your risk of injuring yourself or others on the road.
AUTHOR BIO:
Thompsons Solicitors is one of the UK’s leading personal injury law firm. We are 100 per cent committed to representing the injured, never the insurance company. Our specialist team has secured compensation for tens of thousands of clients who have made a car accident claim.
