When a driver knows the most common causes of highway car accidents, they are more easily able to avoid being involved in one of those accidents. That is why we suggest you continue reading to learn about the most common causes of highway accidents. If you are involved in one and require a free legal consultation, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of car accidents on highways, distracted driving includes talking or texting on your phone while driving, reaching for something you left in the backseat, talking to other passengers, changing the radio dial, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. Looking away from the road for even two seconds can cause a serious accident.
Drunk Driving or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Despite the many, many attempts to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving, and despite the increase in enforcement of drunk driving, people still do it. Even when rideshares are so easy to call. Unfortunately, whether under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a person does not have the same reaction time and can have trouble staying in the right lane.
Driving While Drowsy
It would be hard to find someone who could say they have never driven a car while they were tired. However, if you drive while excessively tired, you could be putting yourself and others in as much danger as you would if you simply drove while drunk. This is according to the National Sleep Foundation, which found that being awake for 18 hours impacted a driver’s ability to drive safely as much as if their BAC was 0.05.
Lack of Experience
A person who is newly licensed and does not have the experience of an older driver is at a much higher risk of being involved in a car accident compared to someone who has been licensed for years. Additionally, younger drivers (who are most commonly those with little experience) are also more likely to be distracted by their phone or other passengers while they are driving. We recommend that teens take a defensive driving class so that they understand how to safely drive and how important it is that they do so.
Speeding
The issue with speeding is twofold. First, the faster a car is going, the longer it takes a driver to stop it – which means the more likely they are to hit something in an emergency. Second, the faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the more serious the accident is likely to be. As a result, it is very important to stick to or below the speed limit.
If you have questions, or if you have been injured in a car accident and require a free legal consultation, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away.
